Complete genome sequence of a simian immunodeficiency virus from a wild chimpanzee

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to the determination of the complete genomic nucleic acid sequence of a new simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpzTAN1) isolated from a wild chimpanzee (Ch-06) from the Gombe National Park in Tanzania and to the nucleic acids derived therefrom. The disclosure also relates to the peptides encoded by and/or derived from the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequence, to host cells containing the nucleic acids sequences and/or peptides, to diagnostic kits, immunogens and methods which employ the nucleic acids, peptides and/or host cells of the present disclosure, and to non-invasive methods for the detection of SIVcpz and related viruses from animal species in the wild.

[0001] This application claims priority to and benefit of provisional application No. 60/349,617, filed Jan. 17, 2002.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the determination of the complete genomic nucleic acid sequence of a new simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpzTAN1) isolated from a wild chimpanzee (Ch-06) and to the nucleic acids derived therefrom. The disclosure also relates to the peptides encoded by and/or derived from the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequence, to host cells containing the nucleic acids sequences and/or peptides, to diagnostic kits, immunogens and methods which employ the nucleic acids, peptides and/or host cells of the present disclosure, and to non-invasive methods for the detection of SIVcpz and related viruses from animal species in the wild. SIVcpz TAN1 nucleic acid sequences and peptides encoded by or derived from those sequences can be used for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, or may be used to generate vaccines against SIVcpz or HIV-1 or any primate lentivirus related to SIVcpz or HIV-1.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Substantial progress has been made in our understanding of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. The principal causative agent has been demonstrated to be a non-transforming retrovirus with a tropism for CD4 helper/inducer lymphocytes (84, 85) and it has been estimated that millions of people world-wide have already been infected. Infection with this virus leads, at least in a significant percentage of cases, to a progressive depletion of the CD4 lymphocyte population with a concomitant increasing susceptibility to the opportunistic infections which are characteristic of the disease. Epidemiological studies indicate that human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1), the etiological agent responsible for the majority of AIDS cases, is currently the most widely disseminated HIV worldwide. A second group of human immunodeficiency-associated retroviruses, human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2), was identified in West Africa (7, 86).

[0004] The simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) are non-human primate lentiviruses that are the closest known relatives of the HIVs. One common characteristic among all naturally occurring SIVs is that none are associated with immunodeficiency or any other disease in their natural hosts (9, 13, 22, 28, 30, 35, and 38). This finding is in marked contrast to AIDS, which occurs in humans and macaques infected with primate lentiviruses (2, 7, 8, 27, 35). This lack of disease in the natural SIV hosts may be an example of long-term evolution toward avirulence (16), which supports the hypothesis that SIV has infected African simians for a relatively long time.

[0005] Phylogenetic analyses of SIV isolates reveal that they belong to six distinct lineages of the lentivirus family of retroviruses (47). These six SIV lentiviral lineages form a distinct sub-group because primate viruses are more closely related to each other than to lentiviruses from non-primate hosts (47). Importantly, only simian species indigenous to the African continent are naturally infected (4, 13, 28, 35). Thus far, natural SIV infections in Africa have been documented in 30 some African primates, including the sooty mangabey (SM) (Cercocebus torquatus atys) (SIVsm strains), in Liberia (30), in Sierra Leone (4, 5), and the Ivory Coast (43); in all four sub-species of African green monkeys (agm) (Cercopithecus aethiops) (1, 21, 22, 25, 33, 34, 39) (SIVagm strains), in eastern, central and western Africa; in the Sykes monkey (syk) (Cercopithecus mitis) (SIVsyk strains) in Kenya (9); in the mandrill (mnd) (Mandrillus sphinx) (SIVmnd1 strains) (38, 50) in Gabon; in chimpanzees (cpz) (Pan troglodytes) (SIVcpz strains) (19, 20, 41, 42) from Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in colobus (col) monkeys from Cameroon (90). Because these SIVs and their simian hosts are highly divergent from each other and widely distributed across Africa, it is believed that the SIV family evolved and established itself in African simians long before acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) appeared in humans (4, 15, 18, 19, 21, 30, 37, 47). Interestingly, the phylogeny of HIV is markedly different from SIV, because genetic analyses have shown that the human viruses do not represent separate seventh or eighth lineages of primate lentiviruses, but instead, are members of two of the six existing SIV lineages (37, 46). HIV-1 falls within the SIVcpz group (19, 51) and HIV-2 falls within the SIVsm family (18, 23). These phylogenetic data have long suggested separate simian origins for HIV-1 and HIV-2 (37, 46).

[0006] Serological cross-reactivity has been observed between structural proteins of different HIV/SIVs. At the level of the envelope proteins, cross-reactions exist between envelope proteins of SIVmac, SIVsm, SIVagm and HIV-2, but sera from non-human primates infected with these viruses generally do not react to HIV-1 envelope proteins.

[0007] Molecular studies of naturally occurring SIVsm and HIV-2 strains from rural West Africa have provided convincing evidence for a simian origin of HIV-2. A close genetic relationship has been established between the HIV-2 D and E groups and SIVsm strains found in household pet sooty mangabeys in West Africa (4, 14, 15). Moreover, all six known subtypes of HIV-2, including a new subtype F (3), are found only within the natural range of SIVsm-infected sooty mangabeys in West Africa. No other area of Africa or of the world has all six known HIV-2 subtypes. Together, these data provide strong support for independent transmissions of SIVsm from naturally infected sooty mangabeys to humans.

[0008] In contrast, there is much less information to support a chimpanzee origin for HIV-1. SIVcpz from west central African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) is the closest relative to all three major groups of HIV-1 (M, N and O). Because of the relatedness of SIVcpzPtt and HIV-1, chimpanzees from this subspecies (P. t. troglodytes) have been implicated as a reservoir for the human infections. Six different SIVcpz strains have thus far been identified (20, 41, 42, 51). The first one (GAB1) was isolated from a household pet chimpanzee in Gabon (42). Three further SIVcpz strains were isolated from captive chimpanzees in Cameroon (CAM3, CAM4, CAM5), but one of them represents a cage transmission (91). An additional SIVcpz strain (ANT) was found in a captive chimpanzee which was wild caught in the Democratic Republic of Congo and thus likely infected in Africa (41, 51). One more (US) was identified in a wild-caught chimpanzee housed at an American primate center (92). Finally, PCR data suggested the existence of a sixth SIVcpz strain (GAB2), again from a chimpanzee from Gabon (20). All known HIV-1 strains are most closely related to SIVcpzPtt strains. Thus, the hypothesis that HIV-1 is derived from west central African chimpanzees is quite plausible. However, additional SIVs within the HIV-1/SIVcpz lineage must be found to fully understand the origin and evolution of the HIV-1 family. Because all SIVcpz strains identified to date are derived from captive chimpanzees, nothing is known about the prevalence, geographic distribution and genetic diversity of SIVcpz in the wild.

[0009] The present disclosure is based on the genetic characterization of a new SIV strain from a wild east African chimpanzee of the subspecies Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii.(83). This disclosure is the first prevalence study and detection of SIVcpz in wild-living apes. The virus has been designated SIVcpzTAN1.

[0010] The SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence(s) described herein will permit the development of new serological screening assays for testing and detection of a wider range of SIVcpz like viruses in humans and primates. Strain specific reagents (antigens, polypeptides, etc.) are required to test for SIVcpz specific antibodies as a sign of viral infection. Such strain specific antigens can now be designed on the basis of the SIVcpzTAN1 sequence(s) described herein. If evidence is found that humans in Africa are infected with a wider variety of SIVcpz (regardless whether this infection is pathogenic or not), then new screening assays for the world's blood supply will have to be developed. In Gag, Pol and Env proteins,SIVcpzTAN1 differs from SIVcpzPtt strains by 36, 30 and 51% of amino acid sequences (new paper). This degree of genetic diversity may necessitate the development of SIVcpz lineage specific assays. The sequences of TAN1 are necessary to design such strain-specific tests.

[0011] Additionally, the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid and polypeptide sequence(s) described herein will permit the development of new vaccine approaches against HIV-1. It is contemplated that evolutionarily conserved peptide sequences between SIVcpzTAN1 and HIV-1 or other primate lentiviruses could be useful in the design and development of protective vaccines against HIV-1, or any primate lentivirus related to SIVcpz or HIV-1.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0012] The present disclosure pertains to the isolation and characterization of the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, a new simian immunodeficiency virus identified from a wild east African chimpanzee Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, (designated Ch-06) identified in Gombe National Park, Tanzania and nucleic acids derived therefrom.

[0013] In particular, the present disclosure relates to nucleic acids comprising the complete genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, as well as nucleic acids comprising the complementary (or antisense) sequence of the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, and nucleic acids derived therefrom.

[0014] The disclosure also relates to vectors comprising the nucleic acid genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, as well as vectors comprising nucleic acids comprising the complementary (or antisense) sequence of the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, and nucleic acids derived therefrom.

[0015] The disclosure also relates to cultured host cells comprising the nucleic acid genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, as well as host cells comprising nucleic acids comprising the complementary (or antisense) sequence of the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, and nucleic acids derived therefrom.

[0016] The disclosure also relates to host cells containing vectors comprising the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, as well as host cells containing vectors comprising nucleic acids comprising the complementary (or antisense) sequence of the genomic sequence of SIVcpzTAN1, and nucleic acids derived therefrom.

[0017] The disclosure also relates to synthetic or recombinant polypeptides encoded by or derived from the nucleic acid sequence of the genome of SIVcpzTAN1, and fragments thereof.

[0018] The disclosure also relates to methods for producing the polypeptides of the disclosure in culture using the SIVcpzTAN1 virus or nucleic acids derived therefrom, including recombinant methods for producing the polypeptides of the invention.

[0019] The disclosure further relates to methods of using the polypeptides of the disclosure as immunogens to stimulate an immune response in humans or other mammals, such as the production of antibodies, or the generation of cytotoxic or helper T-lymphocytes.

[0020] The disclosure also relates to methods for the use of the nucleic acids and polypeptides of the disclosure to develop vaccines against HIV-1, or any primate lentivirus related to SIVcpz or HIV-1.

[0021] The disclosure also relates to methods of using the polypeptides of the disclosure to detect antibodies which immunologically react with the SIVcpzTAN1 virion and/or its encoded polypeptides, in a mammal or in a biological sample.

[0022] The disclosure also relates to kits for the detection of antibodies specific for SIVcpzTAN1 in a biological sample where said kit contains at least one polypeptide encoded by or derived from the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequences of the disclosure.

[0023] The disclosure also relates to antibodies which immunologically react with the SIVcpzTAN1 virion and/or its encoded polypeptides.

[0024] The disclosure also relates to methods of detecting SIVcpzTAN1 virion and/or its encoded polypeptides, or fragments thereof, using the antibodies of the disclosure. The disclosure also relates to kits for detecting SIVcpzTAN1 virion, and/or its encoded polypeptides, wherein the kit comprises at least one antibody of the invention.

[0025] The disclosure also relates to a method for detecting the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 virus in a mammal or a biological sample, said method comprising analyzing the DNA or RNA of a mammal or a sample for the presence of the RNAs, cDNAs or genomic DNAs which will hybridize to a nucleic acid derived from SIVcpzTAN1.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026]FIG. 1A shows a Western blot of urine samples taken from wild-living chimpanzees and captive chimpanzees of known SIVcpz status. The Western blot was performed as described in Example 1. The Western blot illustrates urine samples taken from two captive chimpanzees infected with SIVcpz designated as CAM4 and ch-No, a wild-living chimpanzee (Ch-06) determined to be infected with SIVcpzTAN1, and from several wild-living chimpanzees determined not to be infected with SIVcpz designated Ch-01 through Ch-05.

[0027]FIG. 1B shows RNA extracted from fecal samples and analyzed by diagnostic PCR as described in Example 1. PCR products were separated by Gel electrophoresis and visualized. FIG. 1B shows a marker (designated M), a positive control and a negative control (designated + and −, respectively) and samples from a wild-living chimpanzee (Ch-06) determined to be infected with SIVcpzTAN1, and from several wild-living chimpanzees determined not to be infected with SIVcpz designated Ch-01, Ch-03 and Ch-05.

[0028]FIG. 2 shows phylogenetic trees of SIVcpzTAN1 Gag, Pol and Env amino acid sequences and other SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains. The asterisks denote >95% bootstrap values.

[0029]FIG. 3 shows the alignment of the Vpu amino acid sequences derived from HIVcpzTAN1 and HIVcpzANT, illustrating a significant amount of diversity even between two closely related HIVcpz strains. Identical amino acids are indicated by asterisks. It should be noted that despite the high degree of divergence between these two sequences, TAN1 did show conservation of two serine residues critical for Vpu-induced CD4 degradation (indicated by arrows).

[0030]FIG. 4 shows lineage specific protein signatures of HIVcpzTAN1 and SIVcpzANT. Allignments of the indicated SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains for the Vif, Nef, Vpr and gp41 deduced amino acid sequences are shown for selected regions of the proteins. Sequences are compared to SIVcpzTAN1, with dashes denoting sequence identity and dots representing gaps to optimize sequence alignment. Question marks indicate sites of ambiguous sequence in SIVcpz or sites where fewer than 50% of the viruses contain the same amino acid residue (in HIV-1). HIV-1 group M, N and O consensus sequences were obtained from the Los Alamos HIV sequence database (http://hiv-web,lanl,gov). Vertical boxes represent SIVcpz lineage specific protein sequences in Vif, Vpr, Nef and gp41. Arrows denote a pair of conserved cysteine residues in the ectodomain of gp41 that is unique to P. t. schweinfurthii viruses (the horizontal line denotes the immunodominant region of the HIV-1 gp41 glycoprotein). Asterisks indicate the highly conserved PPLP motif in Vif, a diacidic β-COP motif in Nef and four C-terminal Arg residues in Vpr (Arg 90 is circled).

[0031]FIG. 5 shows a phylogenetic tree of a SIVcpzTAN2 Env/Nef amino acid sequence and other SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure relates to the determination of the complete genomic nucleic acid sequence of a new simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpzTAN1) isolated from a wild chimpanzee (Ch-06) from Gombe National Park in Tanzania and to the nucleic acids derived therefrom. Chimpanzee Ch-06 was a healthy, 24 year old, sexual active, mid-ranking male member of the Kasekela community in Gombe National Park. This community comprises approximately 55 members. All members of the community live freely (94). The disclosure also relates to the peptides encoded by and/or derived from the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequence, to host cells containing the nucleic acids sequences and/or peptides, to diagnostic kits, immunogens and methods which employ the nucleic acids, peptides and/or host cells of the present disclosure, and to non-invasive methods for the detection of SIV and related viruses from animal species in the wild. The complete nucleotide sequence of the SIVcpzTAN1 is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1. The nucleotide sequence is in the R-U5-gag-pol-env-U3-R configuration and can be accessed through GENBANK (accession No. AF447763, which disclosure is incorporated by reference herein). The complete nucleotide sequence was amplified in overlapping fragments and sequenced and found to represent the entire genome. A replication competent SIVcpzTAN1 virus is not currently available. However, the applicants are in the process of constructing a replication competent SIVcpzTAN1 (represented by SEQ ID NO: 1) virus by combining the overlapping fragments. Such a procedure is within the ordinary skill of one in the art. When a replication competent SIVcpzTAN1 virus is obtained, a deposit will be made with the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, Va.) or other International Depository Authority at which time information sufficient to identify and obtain the SIVcpzTAN1 virus will be added to this application.

[0033] The amino acid sequences of the polypeptides encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1 have also been deduced. The deduced amino acid sequence of the Gag, Pol, Vif, Vpr, Tat, Rev, Vpu, Env and Nef polypeptides are disclosed in SEQ ID NOS. 2-10, respectively.

[0034] As used throughout this disclosure, the term SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 1) will refer to the nucleotide sequence of the new simian immunodeficiency virus derived from a wild chimpanzee (Ch-06) from Gombe National Park in Tanzania, and to related SIVcpz strains as well. By related SIVcpz strains, it is meant those SIVcpz strains that differ from SIVcpzTAN1 in their DNA sequence by less than or equal to 30%, or in other words have a percent homology of 70%, or that hybridize to all, or a portion of SEQ ID NO: 1, or the complement thereof, under stringent conditions. As used in this disclosure, the term “percent homology” of two amino acid sequences or of two nucleic acid sequences is determined using the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul, modified as in Karlin and Altschul (105). Such an algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul et al. (106). Blast nucleotide searches are performed with the NBLAST program, score=100, wordlength=12, to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid molecule of the invention. Blast protein searches are performed with the XBLAST program, score=50, wordlength=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a referenced polypeptide. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST is utilized as described in Altschul et al. (107). When utilizing BLAST and Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (XBLAST and NBLAST) are used. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.

[0035] The hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acid is generally 15-50 nucleotides in length. The hybridizing portion of the hybridizing nucleic acid is at least 50% to 98% identical to the sequence of at least a portion of the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, or its complement. Hybridizing nucleic acids as described herein can be used for many purposes, such as, but not limited to, a cloning probe, a primer for PCR and other reactions, and a diagnostic probe. Hybridization of the hybridizing nucleic acid is typically performed under stringent conditions. Nucleic acid duplex or hybrid stability is expressed as the melting temperature Tm, which is the temperature at which the hybridizing nucleic acid disassociates with the target nucleic acid. This melting temperature is many times used to define the required stringency conditions. If sequences are to be identified that are related to and/or substantially identical to the nucleic acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, rather than identical, then it is useful to establish the lowest temperature at which only homologous hybridization occurs with a particular concentration of salt (such as SSC or SSPE).

[0036] Assuming that 1% mismatch results in a 1° C. decrease in Tm, the temperature of the final wash in the hybridization reaction is reduced accordingly (for example, if a sequence having a 90% identity with the probe are sought, then the final wash temperature is decreased by 5° C. The change in Tm can be between 0.5° C. and 1.5° C. per 1% mismatch. Stringent conditions involve hybridizing at 68° C. in 5×SSC/5× Denhardt's solution/1.0% SDS, and washing in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at room temperature. The parameters of salt concentration and temperature can be varied to achieve the optimal level of identity between the probe and the target nucleic acid. Additional guidance regarding such conditions is readily available in the art.

[0037] The methods and techniques, as well as the uses for the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences derived therefrom and the polypeptides encoded by or derived from the nucleic acid sequences, would be applicable to the related SIVcpz strains as well.

[0038] One such related SIVcpz strain is SIVcpzTAN2. SIVcpzTAN2 was isolated from a chimpanzee termed GM-39 also from Gombe National Park in Tanzania. The chimpanzee from which SIVcpzTAN1 is derived (Ch-06) and the chimpanzee from which SIVcpzTAN2 is derived are living in different communities within Gombe National Park. The nucleotide sequence of several fragments from SIVcpzTAN2 have been isolated and sequenced. A 688 base pair fragment encompassing portions of the env and nef genes of SIVcpzTAN2 is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 15 and the corresponding amino acid sequence of the Env and Nef polypeptide fragment is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 16. In addition, a fragment encompassing a portion of the pol gene is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 17 and the corresponding amino acid sequence of the Pol polypeptide fragment is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 18.

[0039] Genomic Sequence of SIVcpzTAN1

[0040] The present disclosure relates to the determination of the nucleic acid sequence of the complete genome of SIVcpzTAN1 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and nucleic acids derivatives thereof. The term derivatives include the “fragments,” “variants,” “complementary sequences,” “degenerate variants” and “chemical derivatives.” The term “fragment” is meant to refer to any nucleic acid subset of SEQ ID NO: 1 incorporating or encoding 9 or more contiguous or sequential nucleic acid residues. The term “chemical derivative” describes an embodiment of SEQ ID NO: 1 that contains additional chemical moieties or domains, or altered levels of chemical moieties of domains, than are normally a part of the SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0041] It is known that there is a substantial amount of redundancy in the codons which code for specific amino acids. Therefore, this disclosure is directed to those nucleic acid sequences which contain alternative codons which code for the eventual translation of the identical amino acid specified in SEQ ID NO: 1. For purposes of this specification, a sequence bearing one or more alternative codons will be defined as a “degenerate variation.” Also included within the scope of this disclosure are mutations either in the nucleic acid sequence, and therefore the translated protein, which do not substantially alter the ultimate physical properties of the proteins encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1 and derivatives thereof, such as, but not limited to, the presence of conservative amino acid substitutions (defined in this specification as a “variant”). For the purpose of this specification, conservative amino acid substitutions include any substitutions within the groups of amino acids as defined in Zubay, Biochemistry, 2cd edition, p. 32, Macmillian Publishing Company, New York, N.Y. For example, conservative amino acid changes, such as, but not limited to, substitution of valine for leucine (Group I), asparagine for glutamine (Group II) or aspartic acid for glutamic acid (Group III).

[0042] A description of the amplification and compilation of SEQ ID NO: 1 is described in reference 94 (which reference is incorporated in its entirety as if fully set forth herein). The phrase derivative thereof is also describes nucleic acid sequences which correspond to a region of the designated nucleic acid sequence. The sequence of the region from which the nucleic acid is derived, or is complementary to, may be a sequence which is unique to the SIVcpzTAN1 genome. Whether or not a sequence is unique to the SIVcpzTAN1 genome can be determined by techniques well known in the art, including, but not limited to, GENBANK comparisons and hybridization techniques. Regions of the SIVcpzTAN1 genome from which nucleic acid sequences may be derived include, but are not limited to, regions encoding specific polypeptides and/or epitopes (such as those shown in SEQ ID NOS: 19-21), as well as non-translated or non-transcribed sequences. The epitope may be unique to the SIVcpzTan1 genome. The uniqueness of the epitope may be determined by its degree of immunological cross reactivity with other SIVs and or HIVs and through computer searches as described.

[0043] The SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid is not necessarily physically derived from the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, but may be generated in any manner based on the information provided in the sequence of bases in the region from which the nucleic acid is derived, including, but not limited to, chemical synthesis. The derived nucleic acid may be of any length, but preferably is comprised of at least 6-12 bases, more preferably 15-19 bases, more preferably 30 bases. In addition, regions or combinations of regions corresponding to that of the designated sequence may be modified in ways known in the art to be consistent with an intended use. The derived nucleic acid may be a polynucleotide or a polynucleotide analog.

[0044] The term recombinant nucleotide or recombinant nucleic acid as used herein intends a nucleic acid of genomic, cDNA, semi-synthetic or synthetic origin which by virtue of its origin or manipulation: 1) is not associated with all or a portion of the nucleic acid with which it is associated in nature; and/or 2) is linked to a nucleic acid other than to which it is linked in nature. The term polynucleotide as used herein refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides of any length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. This term includes double- and single-stranded DNA, as well as double- and single-stranded RNA. It also includes modifications, such as, but not limited to, methylation and/or capping and unmodified forms of the polynucleotide.

[0045] Fragments may be obtained by various methods well known in the art, including, but not limited to, restriction digestion, PCR amplification and direct synthesis. Fragments may be all or part of the genes encoding the Gag, Pol, Vif, Vpr, Tat, Rev, Vpu, Env, and Nef polypeptides and or complementary sequences thereof. Nucleic acids also include cDNA, mRNA and other nucleic acids derived from the SIVcpzTAN1 genome.

[0046] The disclosure also includes the amino acid sequences of the proteins encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1. The deduced amino acid sequences of the Gag, Pol, Vif, Vpr, Tat, Rev, Vpu, Env, and Nef polypeptides are given in SEQ ID NOS. 2-10, respectively. Inspection of the deduced protein sequences from SEQ ID NO: 1 revealed the expected open reading frames for gag, pol, vif, vpr, vpu, tat, rev, env and nef genes. None of these open reading frames contained inactivating mutations. Furthermore, the major regulatory sequences, including promoter and enhancer elements in the LTR, the transactivating region stem-loop structure, the packaging signal, the primer binding site and the major splice sites all appeared to be intact. The nucleic acids described herein may be present in vectors or host cells, or can be isolated and substantially purified as taught by methods well known in the art.

[0047] Methods for Detecting SIVcpzTAN1 Related Viruses.

[0048] The present disclosure also relates to methods for detecting the presence of SIVcpzTAN1, and similar SIVcpz strains, in mammals. The nucleic acids, vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the disclosure and/or host cells comprising vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the disclosure can be used for this purpose. The nucleic acid sequences derived from SEQ ID NO: 1, or its complement, may be incorporated into a vector. Such a construction could be used for replicating said nucleic acid sequences in an organism or cell other than the natural host so as to provide sufficient quantities of said nucleic acids to be used for diagnostic purposes (such as the use of said nucleic acids as probes in diagnostic assays).

[0049] In one embodiment, the detection method involves analyzing DNA of a mammal suspected of harboring SIVcpzTAN1. The DNA of the mammal can be isolated using methods known in the art, and include, but are not limited to, Southern blotting (63), dot and slot hybridization (60) and nucleotide arrays (as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,445,934 and 5,733,729). Nucleic acid probes specific to SIVcpzTAN1 may be used to detect the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 or related SIVcpz strains in said isolated DNA. The nucleic acid probes used in the detection methods mentioned above are derived from the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1. The size of the probes can vary, but the probes are generally 10-12 bases long, but can be from 200 to over 1000 bases long. The selection of the appropriate probe and its composition is within the skill of one in the art and can be designed with reference to SEQ ID NO: 1.

[0050] The nucleic acid probes may be DNA or RNA and can be synthesized using any known method of nucleotide synthesis (45, 55, and 58), or the probes can be isolated fragments of naturally occurring or cloned nucleic acids. In addition, the probes may be synthesized using automated instruments. The probes may also be nucleotide analogs, such as nucleotides linked by phosphodiester, phosphorothiodiester, methylphosphonodiester or methylphosphonthiodiester moieties (67) and peptide nucleic acids (68). The probes can also be labeled using methods known in the art, such as radiactive labels, biotin, avidin, enzymes and fluorescent molecules (62).

[0051] The nucleic acid probes used in the detection methods set forth above are derived from sequences substantially homologous to the sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, or its complementary sequence. By substantially homologous it is meant a high level of homology between the nucleic acid probe and the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, or its complementary sequence. Preferably, the level of homology is greater than or equal to 80%, with a preferred homology being greater than or equal to 95%. Although complete complementarity is not required, it is preferred that the probes are constructed so that complete complementarity exists between the nucleic acid probe and the region of SIVcpzTAN1 to be detected.

[0052] In another embodiment, the detection method comprises analyzing RNA for the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses. The RNA can be isolated by methods well known in the art and include Northern blotting (66), dot and slot hybridization, filter hybridization (57), RNase protection (62) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (65). In one embodiment, the PCR is reverse-transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) whereby RNA is reversed transcribed to a first strand cDNA using a nucleic acid primer or primers derived from the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1. After the cDNA is synthesized, PCR amplification is carried out using pairs of primers designed to hybridize with the sequences in the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid to permit amplification of the cDNA and subsequent detection of the amplified product. Optimization of the amplification reaction to obtain sufficiently specific hybridization to the SIVcpzTAN1 nucleic acid sequences is well within the skill in the art and may be achieved by adjusting the annealing temperature.

[0053] The amplification products of PCR can be detected either indirectly or directly. For direct detection of the amplification products, primer pairs may be labeled. Labels suitable for such methods are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, radioactive labels, biotin, avidin, enzymes and fluorescent molecules. Alternatively, the desired labels can be incorporated into the primer extension products during the amplification reaction in the form of one or more labeled dNTPs. The labeled amplified PCR products can also be detected by ethidium bromide staining and visualization under UV light. The labeled amplified PCR products can also be detected by direct sequencing of the PCR products or by binding to immobilized oligonucleotide arrays. Unlabeled amplification products can also be detected by hybridization with labeled nucleic acid probes in methods known to those of skill in the art such as dot or slot blot hybridization assays.

[0054] By way of example, any of the probes described above may be used in a method incorporating the following steps: 1) labeling of the probe generated as described above by the methods previously described; 2) bringing the probe into contact under stringent hybridization conditions with nucleic acid, once said nucleic acid has been rendered accessible to the probe (such as by isolation on a membrane); 3) washing the membrane with a buffer under circumstances in which stringent conditions are maintained; and 4) detecting the probe by a suitable technique depending on the label employed.

[0055] The probes described above may also be packaged into diagnostic kits and may include the ingredients for labeling and the material needed for the particular detection protocol in addition to the probes.

[0056] Production of SIVcpzTAN1 Polypeptides

[0057] The disclosure also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 to direct the production of polypeptides in vitro or in vivo. In one embodiment, a recombinant method of making a polypeptide according to the disclosure comprises; 1) preparing a nucleic acid, derived from SEQ ID NO: 1 or its complement, capable of directing a host cell to produce a polypeptide encoded by the SIVcpzTAN1 genome; 2) cloning the nucleic acid into a vector capable of being transferred into and replicated in the host cell, the vector containing the operational elements for expressing the nucleic acid if required; 3) transferring the vector comprising the nucleic acid and operational elements into a host cell capable of expressing the polypeptide; 4) growing the host cell under conditions appropriate for the expression of the polypeptide; and 5) harvesting the polypeptide.

[0058] The present disclosure also relates to non-recombinant methods of expressing the polypeptides and nucleic acids described herein. In addition to synthetic methods of polypeptide and nucleic acid production, the non-recombinant methods involve culturing the SIVcpzTAN1 in cell lines, such as uninfected human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, under conditions appropriate for the expression of the polypeptides and nucleic acids. The polypeptides and nucleic acids can then be purified by methods known in the art.

[0059] The vectors which can be used in the present disclosure include any vectors into which a nucleic acid sequence as described above can be inserted, along with any preferred or required operational elements, and which the vector can be transferred into a host cell and preferably replicated by the host cell. It is advantageous if the restriction sites of the vector are well documented and the vector contains operational elements preferred or required for transcription of the nucleic acid sequence. The operational elements referred to above generally comprise at least one promoter sequence capable of initiating transcription of the inserted nucleic acid sequence, at least one leader sequence, at least one terminator codon and/or termination signal, and any other necessary or preferred DNA sequence for appropriate transcription and translation of the inserted nucleic acid sequence. It is contemplated that the vector will also contain at least one origin of replication recognized by the host cell with at least one selectable marker.

[0060] Expression vectors that may be used are those which function in bacterial and/or eukaryotic cells. Examples of vectors which operate in eukaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vectors, simian virus vectors, vaccinia virus vectors, adenovirus vectors, herpes virus vectors, or vectors based on retroviruses, such as murine leukemia virus, or lentiviruses (76). The expression vectors can also be transfected into bacterial or eukaryotic cell systems. Eukaryotic cell systems include, but are not limited to, cell lines such as HeLa, COS-1, 293T, MRC-5 or CV-1 cells. Primary human cells, such as lymph node cells, macrophages, are also useful in this regard.

[0061] The expressed polypeptides may be detected by methods known in the art including, but not limited to, Western blotting, Coumassie blue staining, through the detection of the expression product of a reporter gene (i.e., luciferase) or through measurement of the activity of the expressed polypeptide. In another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises administering a composition comprising a vector, the vector further comprising a nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 to direct the production of polypeptides in vivo.

[0062] The polypeptides of the present disclosure refer to one or more of the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, and derivatives of SEQ ID NO: 1. Polypeptides encoded by SEQ ID NO: 1 and derivatives thereof include, but are not limited to, those polypeptides having the amino acid sequence of which is disclosed in SEQ ID NOS: 2-10. The polypeptides which are derivatives of the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 include polypeptides encoded by nucleic acids such as, but not limited to, degenerate variants, variants, chemical derivatives and fragments (as defined in this specification). The present disclosure also includes chemical derivatives of the polypeptides discussed above. The term “chemical derivative” is meant to refer to a polypeptide that contains additional chemical moieties or domains, or altered levels of chemical moieties or domains, than are normally associated with the polypeptide. Chemical derivatives include, but are not limited to, polypeptides having altered levels of glycosylation.

[0063] The polypeptides disclosed in SEQ ID NOS: 2-10 may be used as compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier either alone, in combination with one another, or in combination with other proteins of the lentivirus family, including but not limited to, other SIVs or HIVs. These polypeptides may be produced by synthetic or recombinant methods, or can be harvested from cells infected by SIVcpzTAN1. These polypeptides may be obtained and used as crude lysates or can be purified by standard protein purification techniques. These techniques include, but are not limited to, differential precipitation, molecular sieve chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, isoelectric focusing, gel electrophoresis and affinity and immunoaffinity chromatography. The polypeptides may be purified by passage through a column containing a resin which comprises bound antibodies specific for a given expressed epitope of an expressed polypeptide.

[0064] A polypeptide or amino acid sequence derived from a designated nucleic acid sequence refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence identical to that of a polypeptide encoded by the sequence, or a portion thereof, where the portion may be of any length, but preferably comprises at least 6-8 amino acids, or at least 10 amino acids, or at least 11-15 amino acids or at least 30 amino acids, or which polypeptide is immunologically cross-reactive with a polypeptide derived from a designated nucleic acid sequence. Polypeptides from the V3-loop region and the crown of the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid sequences of the env gene may be particularly useful. The polypeptides of the present disclosure may be generated in any manner, including, but not limited to chemical synthesis, recombinant expression system, or isolation of the polypeptides from SIVcpzTAN1.

[0065] The nucleic acid disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 represents one embodiment of the present invention. Due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, it is understood that there are numerous choices of nucleotides that may give rise to a nucleic acid sequence capable of directing the production of the polypeptides discussed above and disclosed in SEQ ID NOS. 2-10. As such, nucleic acid sequences that are functionally equivalent to the sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, such sequences are intended to be covered by the present disclosure. For example, the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 may be modified so that the sequence codes for the preferred codons which are appropriate for a host cell that is being used to express the polypeptides of the present disclosure. In addition, the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 may be modified to reduce the effect of any inhibitory sequences and/or any sequences that may lead to instability and/or to provide for rev-independent gene expression (77).

[0066] Use of SIVcpzTAN1 Polypeptides and Nucleic Acids as Immunogens

[0067] The polypeptides of the present disclosure can be used at an effective amount as immunogens to raise antibodies and/or stimulate cellular immunity in a mammal. The immunogen may be a partially or substantially purified polypeptide. Alternatively, the immunogen may be a cell or cell lysate from cells transfected with a recombinant expression vector comprising at least a portion of the nucleic acid disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1 or derived from SEQ ID NO: 1, or a culture supernatant containing at least one polypeptide as disclosed in SEQ ID NOS. 2-10, or polypeptides derived from SEQ ID NOS. 2-10. The immunogen may comprise one or more structural proteins, and/or one or more non-structural proteins of SIVcpzTAN1, or a mixture thereof. For the purposes of the present invention, “mammal” as used throughout the specification and claims, includes, but is not limited to humans, chimpanzees, other primates and the like.

[0068] The effective amount of polypeptide of the present disclosure per unit dose sufficient to act as an immunogen (i.e., to induce an immune response depends), among other things, on the species of mammal inoculated, the body weight of the mammal and the chosen inoculation regimen, as well as the presence or absence of an adjuvant, as is well known in the art. Inocula typically contain polypeptide concentrations from about 1 microgram to about 50 milligrams per inoculation (dose), from about 10 micrograms to about 10 milligrams per dose, or from about 100 micrograms to about 5 milligrams per dose.

[0069] The term “unit dose” as it pertains to the inocula refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material (such as polypeptide(s) of the present disclosure) calculated to produce the desired immunogenic effect in association with the required diluent. Inocula are typically prepared as a solution in a physiologically acceptable carrier such as saline, phosphate-buffered saline and the like to form an aqueous pharmaceutical composition. The route of inoculation is typically parenteral or intramuscular, sub-cutaneous and the like. The dose is administered at least once. In order to increase the antibody level, at least one booster dose may be administered after the initial injection, at about 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose. Subsequent doses may be administered as indicated.

[0070] To monitor the antibody response of individuals, antibody titers may be determined. In most instances it will be sufficient to assess the antibody titer in serum or plasma obtained from such an individual. Decisions as to whether to administer booster inoculations or to change the amount of the immunogen administered to the individual may be at least partially based on the titer. The titer may be based on an immunobinding assay which measures the concentration of antibodies in the serum which bind to a specific antigen. The ability to neutralize in vitro and in vivo biological effects of SIVcpzTAN1 may also be assessed to determine the effectiveness of the immunization. Other methods to determine the antibody titre may be used and are well known in the art.

[0071] For all therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic uses, the polypeptide of the present disclosure, alone or linked to a carrier, as well as antibodies and other necessary reagents and appropriate devices and accessories, may be provided in kit form so as to be readily available and easily used. Where immunoassays are involved, such kits may contain a solid support, such as a membrane (e.g., nitrocellulose), a bead, sphere, test tube, microtiter well and so forth, to which a receptor such as an antibody specific for the target molecule will bind. Such kits can also include a second receptor, such as a labeled antibody. Such kits can be used for sandwich assays. Kits for competitive assays are also envisioned.

[0072] In one embodiment, the polypeptides or nucleic acids of the present disclosure can be used to prepare antibodies against SIVcpzTAN1 epitopes that are useful in diagnosis and/or therapy and/or to stimulate the immune response. The term “antibodies” is used herein to refer to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules. Exemplary antibody molecules are intact immunoglobulin molecules, substantially intact immunoglobulin molecules and portions of an immunoglobulin molecule, including those portions known in the art as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂ and F(v) as well as chimeric antibody molecules.

[0073] An antibody of the present disclosure is typically produced by immunizing a mammal with an immunogen or vaccine. In one embodiment, the immunogen or vaccine contains one or more polypeptides of the present disclosure (SEQ ID NOS 2-10), or a structurally and/or antigenically related molecule from related SIVcpz strains, or other primate lentiviruses such as, but not limited to HIV-1, to induce, in the mammal, antibody molecules having immunospecificity for the immunizing polypeptide(s). The polypeptide(s) may be monomeric, polymeric, conjugated to a carrier, and/or administered in the presence of an adjuvant.

[0074] In another embodiment, the immunogen or vaccine contains one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more polypeptides of the invention, or one or more nucleic acids encoding structurally and/or antigenically related molecules, to induce, in the mammal, the production of the immunizing peptide(s). The antibody molecules may then be collected from the mammal if they are to be used in immunoassays or for providing passive immunity.

[0075] The antibodies produced as described above may be polyclonal or monoclonal. Monoclonal antibodies may be produced by methods known in the art. Portions of immunoglobulin molecules may also be produced by methods known in the art. The antibody of the present disclosure may be contained in various carriers or media, including blood, plasma, serum (e.g., fractionated or unfractionated serum), hybridoma supernatants and the like. Alternatively, antibodies may be isolated to the extent desired by well known techniques such as, for example, by using DEAF SEPHADEX, or affinity chromatography. The antibodies may be purified so as to obtain specific classes or subclasses of antibody such as IgM, IgG, IgA, IgG₁, IgG₂, IgG₃, IgG₄ and the like. Antibodies of the IgG class are useful for passive protection.

[0076] The presence of the antibodies of the present disclosure, either polyclonal or monoclonal, can be determined by, but are not limited to, the various immunoassays described above.

[0077] The antibodies produced by as described above have a number of diagnostic and therapeutic uses. The antibodies can be used as an in vitro diagnostic agents to test for the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses in biological samples in standard immunoassay protocols. The assays which use the antibodies to detect the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses in a sample involve contacting the sample with at least one of the antibodies under conditions which will allow the formation of an immunological complex between the antibody and the antigen that may be present in the sample. The formation of an immunological complex, if any, indicating the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses in the sample, is then detected and measured by suitable means. Such assays include, but are not limited to, radioimmunoassays (RIA), ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence assay, Western blot and the like. The antibodies may be labeled or unlabeled depending on the type of assay used. Labels which may be coupled to the antibodies include those known in the art and include, but are not limited to, enzymes, radionucleotides, fluorogenic and chromogenic substrates, cofactors, biotin/avidin, colloidal gold and magnetic particles. Modification of the antibodies allows for coupling by any known means to carrier proteins or peptides or to known supports, for example, polystyrene or polyvinyl microtiter plates, glass tubes or glass beads and chromatographic supports, such as paper, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and silica.

[0078] Such assays may be, for example, of direct format (where the labeled first antibody reacts with the antigen), an indirect format (where a labeled second antibody reacts with the first antibody), a competitive format (such as the addition of a labeled antigen), or a sandwich format (where both labeled and unlabelled antibody are utilized), as well as other formats described in the art. In one such assay, the biological sample is contacted with antibodies of the present disclosure and a labeled second antibody is used to detect the presence of SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses, to which the antibodies are bound.

[0079] The antibodies produced as described above are also useful as a means of enhancing the immune response when administered at a therapeutically effective amount. The antibodies may be administered with a physiologically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or vehicle therefore. A physiologically acceptable carrier is one that does not cause an adverse physical reaction upon administration and one in which the antibodies are sufficiently soluble and retain their activity. The therapeutically effective amount and method of administration of the antibodies may vary based on the individual patient, the indication being treated and other criteria evident to one of ordinary skill in the art. A therapeutically effective amount of the antibodies is one sufficient to reduce the level of infection by one or more of the viruses of this disclosure or attenuate any dysfunction caused by viral infection without causing significant side effects such as non-specific T cell lysis or organ damage. The route(s) of administration useful in a particular application are apparent to one or ordinary skill in the art. Routes of administration of the antibodies include, but are not limited to, parenteral, and direct injection into an affected site. Parenteral routes of administration include but are not limited to intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous.

[0080] The present disclosure includes compositions of the antibodies described above, suitable for parenteral administration including, but not limited to, pharmaceutically acceptable sterile isotonic solutions. Such solutions include, but are not limited to, saline and phosphate buffered saline for intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection, or direct injection into an area. Antibodies for use to elicit passive immunity in humans may be obtained from other humans previously inoculated with pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the polypeptides of the disclosure. Alternatively, antibodies derived from other species may also be used. Such antibodies used in therapeutics suffer from several drawbacks such as a limited half-life and propensity to elicit an immune response. Several methods are available to overcome these drawbacks. Antibodies made by these methods are encompassed by the present disclosure and are included herein. One such method is the “humanizing” of non-human antibodies by cloning the gene segment encoding the antigen binding region of the antibody to the human gene segments encoding the remainder of the antibody. Only the binding region of the antibody is thus recognized as foreign and is much less likely to cause an immune response.

[0081] In providing the antibodies of the present disclosure to a recipient mammal, preferably a human, the dosage of administered antibodies will vary depending upon such factors as the mammal's age, weight, height, sex, general medical condition, previous medical history and the like. In general, it is desirable to provide the recipient with a dosage of antibodies which is in the range of from about 5 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg body weight of the mammal, although a lower or higher dose may be administered. In general, the antibodies will be administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM).

[0082] The immunogens of this disclosure can also be generated by the direct administration of nucleic acids of this disclosure to a subject. DNA-based vaccination has been shown to stimulate humoral and cellular responses to HIV-1 antigens in mice (69-72) and macaques (72, 73). A DNA-based vaccine containing HIV-1 env and rev genes was injected into HIV infected human patients in three doses (30, 100 or 300 micrograms) at 10-week intervals. Increased antibodies against gp120 were observed in the 100 and 300 μg groups. Increases were also noted in cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity against gp160-bearing targets and in lymphocyte proliferative activity (78, 79). DNA-based vaccines containing HIV gag genes, with modification of the viral nucleotide sequence to incorporate host-preferred codons (WO 98/34640), and/or to reduce the effect of inhibitory/instability sequences (77), have likewise been described.

[0083] Therefore, it is anticipated that the direct injection of RNA or DNA vectors of this disclosure encoding viral antigen can be used for endogenous expression of the antigen to generate the viral antigen for presentation to the immune system without the need for self-replicating agents or adjuvants, resulting in the generation of antigen-specific CTLs and protection from a subsequent challenge with a homologous or heterologous strain of SIVcpzTAN1. CTLs in both mice and humans are capable of recognizing epitopes derived from conserved internal viral proteins and are thought to be important in the immune response against viruses. By recognition of epitopes from conserved viral proteins, CTLs may provide cross-strain protection. CTLs specific for conserved viral antigens can respond to different strains of virus, in contrast to antibodies, which are generally strain-specific.

[0084] Thus, direct injection of RNA or DNA encoding the viral antigen has the advantage of being without some of the limitations of direct peptide delivery or viral vectors (81). Furthermore, the generation of high-titer antibodies to expressed proteins after injection of DNA indicates that this may be a facile and effective means of making antibody-based vaccines targeted towards conserved or non-conserved antigens, either separately or in combination with CTL vaccines targeted towards conserved antigens. These may also be used with traditional peptide vaccines, for the generation of combination vaccines. Furthermore, because protein expression is maintained after DNA injection, the persistence of B and T cell memory may be enhanced, thereby engendering long-lived humoral and cell-mediated immunity.

[0085] Nucleic acids encodingSIVcpzTAN1 polypeptides of this disclosure can be introduced into animals or humans in a physiologically or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier using one of several techniques such as injection of DNA directly into human tissues, electroporation or transfection of the DNA into primary human cells in culture (ex vivo), selection of cells for desired properties and reintroduction of such cells into the body, (said selection can be for the successful homologous recombination of the incoming DNA to an appropriate pre-selected genomic region); generation of infectious particles containing the SIVcpzTAN1 gag and/or other SIVcpzTAN1 genes, infection of cells ex vivo and reintroduction of such cells into the body, or direct infection by said particles in vivo. Substantial levels of polypeptide will be produced leading to an efficient stimulation of the immune system.

[0086] Also envisioned are therapies based upon vectors, such as viral vectors containing at least a portion of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed in or derived from SEQ ID NO: 1 and coding for the polypeptide(s) of the present disclosure. These vectors, developed so that they do not provoke a pathological effect, will stimulate the immune system to respond to the polypeptides expressed therefrom. The effective amount of nucleic acid or polypeptide immunogen per unit dose to induce an immune response depends, among other things, on the species of mammal inoculated, the body weight of the mammal, the chosen inoculation regimen and the use of an adjuvant as is well known in the art and described previously. Immunization can be conducted by conventional methods. For example, the immunogen can be used in a suitable diluent such as saline or water, or complete or incomplete adjuvants. Further, the immunogen may or may not be bound to a carrier. While it is possible for the immunogen to be administered in a pure or substantially pure form, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical composition, formulation or preparation.

[0087] The formulations comprise an immunogen as described above, together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any method well-known in the pharmaceutical art. The immunogen can be administered by any route appropriate for antibody production such as intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and the like. The immunogen may be administered once or at periodic intervals until a significant titer of antibody is produced. The antibody may be detected in the serum using an immunoassay. The host serum or plasma may be collected following an appropriate time interval to prove a composition comprising antibodies reactive with the SIVcpzTAN1 virus particles or encoded polypeptides. The gamma globulin fraction or the IgG antibodies can be obtained, for example, by use of saturated ammonium sulfate or DEAE Sephadex, or other techniques known to those skilled in the art.

[0088] In addition to its use to raise antibodies, the administration of the polypeptide and/or nucleic acid immunogens as described in the present disclosure may be for use as a vaccine for either a prophylactic or therapeutic purpose. When provided prophylactically, a vaccine(s) of the disclosure is provided in advance of any exposure to a SIVcpzTAN1 or SICcpzTAN1 related virus, such as HIV-1, or in advance of any symptoms due to such exposure. When provided therapeutically, a vaccine(s) of the disclosure is provided at (or shortly after) the onset of exposure to a SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related virus, such as HIV-1, or at the onset of any symptom of infection or any disease or deleterious effects caused by such exposure. The therapeutic administration of the vaccine(s) serves to attenuate the infection or disease. The vaccine(s) of the present disclosure may, thus, be provided either prior to the anticipated exposure to a SIVcpzTAN1 or SIVcpzTAN1 related virus, such as HIV-1, or after the initiation of infection caused bys such exposure.

[0089] The use of polypeptides of the present disclosure is potentially advantageous for the use in vaccine preparations. It has been demonstrated that glycosylation plays a role in limiting the neutralizing antibody response to SIV and in shielding the virus from immune recognition (93). In addition, it has been shown that removing glycosylation sites from the env proteins of HIV-1 increases the level of neutralizing antibody to the env polypeptide. Table 1 shows a compilation of putative glycosylations sites, comparing SIVcpz with HIV-1 envelope amino acid sequences. Table 1 demonstrates that SIVcpz envelope glycoproteins, on average, have fewer glycosylation sites. When examining the known strains of SIVcpz, an average of 21.7 glycozylation sites are found per virion. This is compared to an average of 24.7 glycosylation sites per viorion for HIV-1 strains. Therefore, polypeptides encoded by or derived from SIVcpzTAN1 may make more effective immunogens for eliciting neutralizing antibodies in vaccine preparations.

[0090] While any of the polypeptides of the present disclosure or nucleic acids of the present disclosure can be used in vaccine preparation, for production of an optimal immune response, regions of conserved sequence identified in SIVcpzTAN1 as compared with other strains of SIV and HIV may be used. Identifying such conserved regions is well within the skill in the art and can be accomplished by computer searches and other well recognized methods. In this manner the immune response generated will be more likely to react with other strains of primate lentiviruses, including but not limited to SIVcpz strains and HIV-1. The polypeptides/nucleic acids of the present disclosure may be used alone or in combination with each other to generate the desired immune response. In addition, the polypeptides/nucleic acids of the present disclosure can be used in combination with other proteins derived from primate lentiviruses, including but not limited to, SIVcpz strains or HIV-1. In this manner the immune response and effectiveness of a vaccine preparation may be increased.

[0091] The disclosure also relates to the use of antisense nucleic acids to inhibit translation of peptides encoded by SIVcpzTAN1. The antisense nucleic acids are complementary to SIVcpzTAN1 mRNAs encoding peptides of this disclosure. The antisense nucleic acids may be in the form of synthetic nucleic acids or they may be encoded by a nucleotide construct, or they may be semi-synthetic. The antisense nucleic acids may be delivered to the cells using methods known to those skilled in the art.

[0092] Kits designed for diagnosis of SIVcpzTAN1 in a biological sample can be constructed by packaging the appropriate materials, including the nucleic acids and/or polypeptides of this disclosure and/or antibodies which specifically react with SIVcpzTAN1 antigens, along with other reagents and materials required for the particular assay.

[0093] Production of Diagnostic Reagents for SIVcpzTAN1 and Related Viruses

[0094] The disclosure also relates to any composition which can be use for the diagnosis of SIVcpzTAN1 infections or infections caused by SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses or for tests which have a prognostic value. These diagnostic procedures involve the detection of antibody in serum or other body fluid, which are directed against at least one of the antigens of SIVcpzTAN1.

[0095] In one embodiment, the compositions used to detected said antibodies comprise viral lysates or purified antigens which contain at least one of the viral core proteins or envelope proteins or pol gene derived proteins either alone or in various combinations. In an alternate embodiment, the composition used to detect said antibodies comprise either SIVcpzTAN1 viral lysate or polypeptides in combination with similarly prepared proteins derived from HIV-1 and/or HIV-2, and/or other SIVcpz strains such as SIVcpz-Gab and/or SIVcpzANT and/or SIVcpzCAM and/or related lentiviruses. This method may be used for the general diagnosis of infection or contact with immunodeficiency virus without regard to the absolute identity of the virus being detected.

[0096] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a polypeptide(s) encoded by or derived from SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising an epitope that is recognized by serum of individuals carrying anti-SIVcpzTAN1 antibodies, or antibodies against SIVcpzTAN1 related viruses. The amino acid sequences corresponding to these epitopes can readily be determined by isolating the individual polypeptides, or fragments thereof, either by preparative electrophoresis or by affinity chromatography and determining the amino acid sequences of either the entire protein or the fragments produced enzymatically by trypsin or chymotrypsin digestion or by chemical means. The resulting peptide or polypeptides can subsequently be sequenced. The disclosure relates therefore to expressing any polypeptide comprising an epitope as discussed above, either derived directly from SIVcpzTAN1, or produced by synthetic or recombinant methods based on or derived from the nucleic acid sequence disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 1, and purifying the expressed protein. In particular, the disclosure relates to epitopes contained in any of the SIVcpzTAN1 core proteins, or in a protein which may contain a as part of its polypeptide chain epitopes derived from a combination of the core proteins. Furthermore, the invention relates to epitopes contained in either of the two SIVcpzTAN1 envelope glycoproteins, as well as any protein which contains, as part of its polypeptide chain, epitopes derived from a combination of the SIVcpzTAN1 envelope glycoprotein or a combination of the SIVcpzTAN1 core protein.

[0097] Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods for the detection of antibodies against SIVcpzTAN1 in a biological fluid, in particular for the diagnosis of a potential or existing AIDS Related Complex or AIDS caused by SIVcpzTAN1, characterized by contacting body fluid of a person to be diagnosed with a composition containing one or more of the polypeptide encoded by or derived from SEQ ID NO: 1 or with a lysate of the virus, or with a polypeptide possessing epitopes common to SIVcpzTAN1, and detecting the immunological conjugate formed between the SIVcpzTAN1 antibodies and the antigen(s) used. Preferred methods include, but are not limited to, immunofluorescence assays or immunoenzymatic assays (61), radioimmunoassays, chemiluminescent assays, immunohistochemical assays and Western blot assays. Immunofluorescence assays typically involve incubating, for example, serum from the person to be tested with cells infected with SIVcpzTAN1 and which have been fixed and permeabilized with cold acetone. Immune complexes formed are detected using either direct or indirect methods and involve the use of antibodies which specifically react to human immunoglobulins. Detection is achieved by using antibodies to which have been coupled fluorescent labels, such as fluorescein or rhodamine.

[0098] Any of the polypeptides discussed above may be prepared in the form of a kit, alone, or in combination with other reagents such as secondary antibodies, for use in immunoassays.

[0099] The following examples illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, but should not be construed as limiting its scope in any way. Certain modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings of the forgoing disclosure and the following examples, and these are intended to be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The references disclosed herein, including United States and foreign patents and/or patent applications, are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

EXAMPLE 1

[0100] Detection of SIVcpz in Wild Chimpanzees.

[0101] Sampling blood from endangered primates is neither generally feasible or ethical. Non-invasive methods are described to detect and characterize SIVcpz in wild chimpanzees by analyzing fecal and urine samples for SIVcpz antibodies and virion RNA (83, 94). Urine samples (1-3 ml) and fecal samples (20-50 g) were collected from captive or wild chimpanzees under direct observation and stored at −20° C. Some fecal samples were preserved in RNAlater (Ambion, Austin, Tex.) to allow for storage and shipment at room temperature (see reference 94 regarding collection of samples and RNA purification from samples).

[0102] In order to determine which chimpanzees may be infected with a SIVcpz strain, Western Blot analysis and diagnostic PCR were conducted. For Western Blotting, HIV-1 nitrocellulose strips (Calypte Biomedical, Rockville, Md.) were blocked with 5% skim milk and incubated overnight at 4° C. with either 1 ml of undiluted urine or 1 ml of clarified fecal extracts in immunoblot buffer (PBS, pH 7.4, 5 mM EDTA, 0.05% Tween-20, 0.15 mM NaN₃, 1% BSA and 0.01% IGEPAL detergent). The strips were then reacted for one hour at room temperature with goat anti-human IgG (1:4000) conjugated to horseradish peroxidase and developed using an enhanced chemiluminescence detection system (Amersham/Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, N.J.). Immunoblots reactive with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp160 alone or in combination with other viral bands, or with any of the three structural proteins exclusive of gp16, were scored as positive. The absence of viral bands was scored negative, and samples not meeting either criterion were scored indeterminate. None of the urine or fecal samples tested exhibited indeterminate banding patterns.

[0103] RNA was analyzed by extraction from fecal samples using the RNAqueous Midi kit (Ambion, Austin, Tex.) (94). The RNA was analyzed using diagnostic PCR. Following cDNA synthesis, diagnostic PCR was performed using primers F1/R1, (SEQ ID NOS. 11 and 12, respectively) and F2/R2 (SEQ ID NOS. 13 and 14, respectively) Extension fragments of SIVcpzTAN1 were obtained using SIVcpzTAN1 specific primers and consensus primers.

[0104] The sensitivity and specificity of the antibody and RNA detection (via PCR) methods were tested in captive chimpanzees of known HIV or SIVcpz status (83). The sensitivity of the antibody detection was 100% for urine and 65% for feces. The specificity in each case was 100%. The sensitivity of the RNA detection from feces was 66%. The probabilistic methods used are described in reference 83.

[0105] Using the techniques described, in an initial survey 58 wild-living chimpanzees were tested for the presence of SIVcpz. Of the 58 chimpanzees tested, 28 were P. t. verus from Tai Forest, Cote d'Ivoire, 24 were P. t. schweinfurthii from Kibale National Park, Uganda, 6 were P. t. schweinfurthii from Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Only one chimpanzee (designated Ch-06) tested positive for SIVcpz infection. Two different urine samples contained SIVcpz virion antibodies (FIG. 1A) and three fecal samples were positive for SIVcpz virion RNA (FIG. 1B). The full length sequence was subsequently derived by PCR amplification of overlapping subgenomic fragments (83, 94). Since this initial survey we have screened additional chimpanzees from Gombe which led to the identification of GM-39 to be infected with SIVcpzTAN2

EXAMPLE 2

[0106] Comparison of SIVcpzTAN1 to Other SIVcpz and HIV Strains

[0107] The 2,195 bp pol/vif fragment amplified from fecal samples was initially sequenced and the amino acid sequence encoded by this fragment deduced and compared to comparable amino acid sequences from other SIVcpz and HIV strains. The results indicated SIVcpzTAN1 was a highly divergent SIVcpz strain. SIVcpzTAN1 differed from west-central African SIVcpz strains and HIV-1 groups M, N, and O by 28% and 30% of amino acid sequence (83, 94). The most similar sequence was that from SIVcpzANT (which was taken from a captive P. t. schweinfurthii of unknown origin) which differed from the amino acid sequence of SIVcpzTAN1 by 23% (83, 94).

[0108] This was confirmed when the full length amino acid sequences of the SIVcpzTAN1 Gag, Pol and Env polypeptides were compared to other SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains. The phylogenetic tree shown in FIG. 2 demonstrates that SIVcpzTAN1 and SIVcpzANT cluster together in a highly significant manner, demonstrating that SIVcpzTAN1 fell within the HIV-1/SIVcpz radiation and grouped most closely with SIVcpzANT. This phylogenetic position was consistent in all major coding regions and supported by significant bootstrap values (FIG. 2). Distance and phylogenetic analyses thus identified SIVcpzTAN1 as a highly divergent member of the HIV-1/SIVcpz group of viruses. Since, until now, there has only been a single divergent P. t. schweinfurthii strain from a captive chimpanzee (Noah) of unknown origin, the possibility existed that SIVcpzANT was the result of a cross-species transmission event from another primate species and did not really represent a virus naturally infecting chimpanzees. The derivation of the complete SIVcpzTAN1 sequence from a chimpanzee of unquestionable provenance renders this possibility improbable. The phylogenetic position of TAN1 (shown in FIG. 2) confirms the authenticity of SIVcpzANT as a bona-fide SIVcpz strain and thus provides conclusive evidence for the existence of two major lineages within the SIVcpz/HIV-1 radiation.

EXAMPLE 3

[0109] Vpu Amino Acid Sequence from SIVcpzTAN1 is Highly Divergent From Other SIVcpz and HIV-1 Strains

[0110] The deduced amino acid sequence of the Vpu protein (SEQ ID NO: 8) is highly divergent from other SIVcpz and HIV-1 proteins (FIG. 3). The TAN1 and ANT Vpu proteins were only 37% identical. However, the position of the vpu open reading frame and the overall hydrophobicity profile of the deduced protein sequence were very similar to other SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains, suggesting that the Vpu protein in SIVcpzTAN1 is functional. In addition, secondary structure predictions suggested the presence of alpha helices near the C-terminus that flanked two highly conserved serine residues (FIG. 3) previously shown to be critical for HIV-1 Vpu mediated CD4 degradation (95). Together, these data suggest that TAN1 encodes a functional Vpu protein.

EXAMPLE 4

[0111] SIVcpzTAN1 Contains Several SIVcpz Signature Motifs

[0112] Analysis for lineage specific amino acid sequence insertions and deletions identified several signatures that distinguished ANT and TAN1 from all other SIVcpz and HIV-1 strains (FIG. 5). These lineage specific amino acid sequences may provide a mechanism to specifically screen for and/or detect the presence of the TAN1/ANT lineage in the SIVcpz/HIV-1 radiation. In one embodiment, the conserved signature motifs are used to generate specific probes to detect the presence of TAN1/ANT lineage nucleic acid in a sample. In another embodiment, the conserved signature motifs may be used to generate antibodies to detect the presence of TAN1/ANT lineage polypeptides in a sample. In addition to generating diagnostic reagents, the conserved signature motifs may be used for therapeutic purposes, such as in the development of vaccines specific to the TAN1/ANT lineage, or to stimulate the an immune response in a subject, such as a human. In one embodiment, the conserved sequence motif is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS. 19-21. In an alternate embodiment, the conserved sequence motif is SEQ ID NO: 20. In additions, the conserved signature motifs may be used as described in the instant specification.

[0113] TAN1 and ANT contained an identical five amino acid insertion (KGPRR) (SEQ ID NO: 19) near the C-terminus of Vif which disrupted a highly conserved PPLP motif previously shown to be critical, in its entirety, for HIV-1 Vif function (96). In addition, they exhibited a five amino acid deletion near the C-terminus of Nef that included a diacidic β-COP (coatomer protein) binding motif shown to be important for HIV-1 Nef induced CD4 degradation (97). Both ANT and TAN1 also encoded a considerably truncated Vpr protein that lacked several basic residues at the C-terminus previously shown to be important for HIV-1 Vpr induced nuclear localization and G2 cell cycle arrest, including a critical Arg-90 residue (98). Since accessory protein functions are highly conserved among divergent SIV lineages, it is highly unlikely that the Vif, Vpr, and Nef proteins of the two P. t. schweinfurthii viruses have lost these functions (this is especially true for TAN1 which was derived without the in vitro selection that might occur through growth in human T-cell lines). Instead, the observed Vif, Vpr and Nef mutations are likely compensated by amino acid substitutions elsewhere in these proteins. Finally, both ANT and TAN1 exhibited an amino acid sequence insertion (an 11 amino acids for TAN1 (SEQ ID NO: 20); and a 10 amino acids for ANT (SEQ ID NO: 21)) in the ectodomain of the transmembrane envelope glycoprotein (gp41) which is bounded by two additional cysteine residues (FIG. 5). Interestingly, although the motif is specific to the TAN1 and ANT SIVcpz strains, the amino acid of the sequences is not conserved between TAN1 and ANT. Unpaired cysteines are known to interfere with the proper folding of the SIV/HIV envelope glycoprotein (99-101). It is thus likely that the additional cysteine residues in TAN1 and ANT gp41 form intermolecular disulfide bonds, possibly resulting in an additional surface loop that might alter the local gp41 structure. Since this region is also known to be involved in gp120/gp41 interactions (102, 103), it is possible that compensatory changes in the N- or C-terminus of gp120 have evolved in association with these mutations. Interestingly, the extra cysteine pair in gp41, the truncated Vpr, and the Vif insertion were not only absent from SIVcpz from P. t. troglodytes but also from all other SIVs, including the relatively more closely related (at least in env) SIVgsn strain (104). This would suggest that P. t. schweinfurthii viruses have acquired these changes some time after their divergence from the common SIVcpz ancestor but before the split of the lineages represented by today's SIVcpzTAN1 and SIVcpzANT. In addition, the absence of these signatures from all known HIV-1 variants (groups M, N and O) is consistent with their west central African chimpanzee (P. t. troglodytes) origin.

EXAMPLE 5

[0114] Comparison of SIVcpzTAN2 to Other SIVcpz and HIV Strains

[0115] The 688 bp sequence from SIVcpzTAN2 corresponding to a fragment of the env and nef genes is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 15 and a 335 bp sequence corresponding to a fragment of the pol gene is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 17. The amino acid sequence of the the env and nef gene fragment was deduced and is shown in SEQ ID NO: 16. The deduced amino acid sequence of the pol gene is shown in SEQ ID NO: 18. The amino acid sequences for the Env/Nef and Pol polypeptides were deduced and compared to corresponding amino acid sequences from other SIVcpz and HIV strains. SIVcpzTAN2 is 13% divergent from the corresponding amino acid sequence from SIVcpzTAN1. In the phylogenetic tree shown in FIG. 6, SIVcpzTAN2, SIVcpzTAN1 and SIVcpzANT clustered together in a highly significant manner. This indicates that SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT are highly divergent from HIV groups M, N, and O and further supports the conclusion that P. t. schweinfurthii did not serve as the zoonotic source for epidemic HIV.

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[0223]

1 21 1 9326 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus 1 gctcttgcct aatctgccag atctgagcct gggagctctc tggtagtggc tggctagaga 60 ccgctgctta acgctcaata aagcctgcct gagagtgtta acagtgtgtg cccatttcat 120 accgcgtctg ccctggggta gagatccctc agatttgtag tggctaagta aaaatctcta 180 ccagtggcgc ccgaacaggg acttgagaag cagggaacgc ggcccctgga cgcaggactc 240 ggcttgtgac agcgcaatca caagaggcga ggcggactcc ggtggtgagt acaaattttg 300 ttgtcggtgg gcaaccctag aggaagggcg aagtctctag gtaacagggg aaatgggtgc 360 gagagcgtca gtgttgaggg gagataagct ggatacatgg gaatccataa ggcttaaatc 420 cagaggcagg aaaaaatatt taataaaaca tctagtatgg gccggaagcg aactacagcg 480 tttcgcgatg aatcccggtc tcatggagaa cgtagaaggc tgctggaaaa tcatcctcca 540 gctgcagcct tcggtagaca ttggttctcc agaaatcatt tctttgttta ataccatctg 600 tgtactctac tgcgtacacg caggagaaag agtccaagat acggaagaag cagtcaaaat 660 tgtgaaaatg aaactaactg tacagaaaaa taactccaca gcgacatcta gtggacaaag 720 acagaatgca ggtgaaaaag aggaaacagt gccacctagt ggcaatacag gaaacacagg 780 gagagcaaca gagacaccta gtgggagtag actataccca gtgataactg atgcacaggg 840 agttgcaagg catcagccta tttcacctag aactctaaat gcctgggtaa gggtaataga 900 agaaaaaggg tttaatccag aagtaatacc aatgttctca gcattgtctg agggagcaac 960 cccttatgat ctaaatagta tgctcaatgc tgttggggaa catcaagcag caatgcaaat 1020 gttgaaggaa gtcatcaatg aggaagcagc agagtgggac agagcacatc ccgctcatgc 1080 aggaccccag caagcaggga tgctaagaga gcccacaggg gcagatattg cagggaccac 1140 tagtacgcta caagaacaag tactgtggat gacaacccca caggcacaag gaggagtgcc 1200 agtaggagac atctataaaa ggtggataat tttaggatta aataaattag tcagaatgta 1260 cagccctgtt agcattttgg acataaaaca gggaccaaaa gaaccattca gagattatgt 1320 agacagattc tacaaaacaa tcagagcaga acaagcatct caaccagtaa aaacttggat 1380 gacagaaact ttactggtac aaaatgcaaa cccagattgt aagcatatct taaaagcctt 1440 ggggcaagga gcaacattag aagaaatgct cacagcctgt caaggagtgg gaggaccctc 1500 tcataaggca aagattctgg ctgaagcaat ggcctcagca acagcagggg gagtaaatat 1560 gctgcaggga ggaaaaagac cacccttaaa aaagggtcag ctgcagtgtt ttaactgtgg 1620 gaaagtaggc catacagcaa gaaattgtag ggctccaaga aagaaaggtt gctggaggtg 1680 tggacaagag ggacatcaaa tgaaggactg caccaccaga aacaacagca ctggggtaaa 1740 ttttttaggg aaacgcaccc ccttgtgggg gtgcagacca gggaactttg tgcagaacac 1800 cccagagaaa gggaaggctc aggagcagga gacagcacag acaccagtgg tgccaactgc 1860 cccaccactg gagatgacga tgaaaggcgg gttctccctc aagtcaatct ttggcagcga 1920 ccaatgatga cagtaaaagt ccagggacaa gtctgtcaag ctcttttaga tactggagca 1980 gatgacagtg ttttttgtaa catcaaatta aagggacagt ggacaccaaa aaccatagga 2040 ggaataggag gatttgtacc agttagtgag tactataata ttccagtaca aattggcaat 2100 aaagaagtca gagccactgt cctagtggga gaaaccccca ttaatataat aggtagaaat 2160 attttaaagc aattaggatg taccttaaat tttcctatta gcccaataga ggtagtaaaa 2220 gtacaattaa aagaaggaat ggatgggcca aaagtaaagc agtggcccct ctccaaggag 2280 aaaattgagg cattaacaga aatatgtaag acattggaaa aggaaggaaa aatttctgca 2340 gttggaccag aaaacccata taacacacca atttttgcca ttaagaaaaa ggatacctct 2400 aaatggagaa aattagtaga tttcagagaa ctgaataaaa gaactcaaga tttttgggag 2460 ttacagctag gaatacccca tccggcaggg ttaagaaaaa gaaatatggt gacagtactg 2520 gatgtagggg atgcctactt ttccattccc ctggatccag acttcagaaa gtatacagct 2580 tttaccatac ccagtctcaa taataacaca ccagggaaaa gatttcagta taacgtgtta 2640 cctcaaggtt ggaagggatc tccagcaatt tttcagagca gtatgacaaa aatcctagat 2700 cctttcagaa aagaacaccc agatgtggac atttaccaat atatggatga tctttacata 2760 ggttcagatc ttaatgaaga ggaacatagg aaactgataa agaagctgag acagcatctg 2820 ttaacatggg gattagagac ccctgacaaa aagtatcagg aaaaacctcc attcatgtgg 2880 atgggctatg agctacatcc aaataaatgg acagttcaaa atatcacatt accagaacca 2940 gagcagtgga cagtgaatca tatccagaag ttggtaggca aacttaattg ggccagtcaa 3000 atttatcatg gaataaaaac taaagaacta tgcaaattga ttagaggagt aaaaggatta 3060 actgagccag tagaaatgac cagggaagca gaattggagt tagaagaaaa taagcagatt 3120 ctaaaagaaa aggttcaagg agcatactat gatcctaaat tacctctgca agcagcaata 3180 cagaagcagg ggcaaggaca gtggacatat cagatatatc aggaagaagg gaaaaattta 3240 aaaacaggaa aatatgcaaa atcaccaggt acccacacca atgagataag acaattagca 3300 ggactgatac agaaaatagg caatgagagc ataataattt ggggtattgt gcctaaattt 3360 ttattacctg tatccaaaga gacatggagc cagtggtgga ctgattactg gcaagttacc 3420 tgggtacctg agtgggaatt tattaacacc ccaccactaa tcaggctatg gtacaatctg 3480 ttgtctgacc ccatcccaga agcagaaacc ttttatgtag atggggcagc aaacagagac 3540 agtaaaaagg gaagagcagg atatgtaaca aacagaggca gatacaggtc aaaggactta 3600 gagaacacca ctaatcaaca agcagaatta tgggcagtag atctagcctt aaaagactca 3660 ggagcacagg taaatatagt cacagattcc caatatgtta tgggagtttt acagggatta 3720 ccagatcaaa gtgactcccc catagtagag caaattattc aaaagttaac acaaaagaca 3780 gcaatttatc tagcatgggt accagcccat aaaggtatag ggggtaatga agaagtagac 3840 aaattggtta gtaaaaatat tagaaaaata ttattcctgg atggaattaa tgaagcacag 3900 gaagaccatg ataaatatca cagtaattgg aaagctttag ctgatgaata taatctgccc 3960 ccagttgtgg ctaaagaaat tattgctcag tgtccaaaat gccatataaa aggagaggct 4020 atacatggac aggtggacta cagtccagaa atctggcaaa tagactgtac ccacctagaa 4080 ggaaaggtca tcatagtagc agtgcatgta gctagtggtt tcatagaagc agaagtcata 4140 ccagaagaaa caggaagaga aaccgcttac ttcatcctaa aattggcagg aagatggcct 4200 gtaaagaaaa tacatacaga taatggacca aattttacta gtacagcagt gaaggcagcc 4260 tgctggtggg cacaaattca acatgaattt gggattccat ataatcctca aagtcaagga 4320 gtagtagaat ctatgaataa acaattaaag caaattatag agcaagtcag ggaccaagca 4380 gagcaactga ggacagcagt aatcatggca gtgtatatcc acaattttaa aagaaaaggg 4440 gggattgggg agtacactgc aggggaaaga ctattagaca tactaactac aaatatacag 4500 acaaaacaat tacaaaaaca aattttaaaa gttcaaaatt ttcgggttta ttatagggac 4560 gccagagatc caatttggaa gggaccagcg cgactactgt ggaaaggtga aggggcagta 4620 gtaataaaag aaggagaaga cattaaagta gtacccagga gaaaagcaaa aatcataaaa 4680 gagtatggaa aacagatggc aggtgcaggt ggtatggatg atagacagaa tgagacttag 4740 aacatggaca agcctagtta aacatcatat ctttacaacc aaatgctgta aagattggaa 4800 gtatagacat cattatgaaa ctgatacacc aaaaagagca ggggaaatac acatacctct 4860 aacagaaaga tcaaaattag tggttttaca ttattggggt ctagcctgtg gagaaagacc 4920 atggcatcta ggtcatggca taggattaga atggagacaa ggaaaataca gtacacaaat 4980 agaccctgaa acagcagacc aattgattca cactaggtat tttacctgtt ttgctgcagg 5040 agcagttcgg caagcaatat taggagaaag aatattgaca ttctgccact ttcaatcagg 5100 acacagacag gtagggactc tgcaattctt agctttcaga aaggtagttg agagccaaga 5160 taaacagcca aagggaccaa ggaggccctt gccatctgtt acaaaactaa cagaggacag 5220 atggaacaag caccgaacga caacgggccg cagagagaac catacactga gtggctgtta 5280 gacatcctag aagaaataaa acaagaagca gtgaaacact ttccaagacc aatattacag 5340 ggggtaggaa attgggtctt caccatttat ggagactcct gggagggagt acaggaatta 5400 atcaagatct tgcagagagc tttgtttacc cactatcgcc atggttgtat ccacagcaga 5460 ataggatcat gaatcccata gatcctcagg tagcaccatg ggaacatcca ggagctgcac 5520 ctgaaacacc ttgtacaaac tgttactgta aaaaatgctg ctttcattgc ccagtttgct 5580 ttacgaaaaa agcattagga atctcctatg gcaggaagag aagaggacgc aaatctgctg 5640 tacacagtac gaataatcaa gatcctgtac gacagcagta agtacccatg ataaaaatag 5700 tagtgggaag tgtgtcaact aatgtcatag gcattctttg tatattactg attttaatag 5760 ggggaggctt gctaataggt ataggtataa gaagagagtt agaaagggaa aggcaacatc 5820 aaagagtatt agaaaggcta gctagaagat taagcataga cagtggagta gaagaagatg 5880 aagaatttaa ttggaataac tttgatcctc ataattacaa tcctagggat tggatttagc 5940 acttattaca ccacagtgtt ttatggagta cctgtttgga aagaggccca accaaccttg 6000 ttttgtgcct ctgatgctga tattactagt agagataaac acaacatatg ggcaacacat 6060 aactgtgtgc ctttagatcc caatccttat gaagtaaccc tagccaatgt gtcaataagg 6120 tttaatatgg aagaaaatta catggtgcaa gagatgaaag aagatatatt atcacttttt 6180 caacagagtt ttaagccttg tgtaaaatta acaccatttt gcataaagat gacatgtaca 6240 atgactaata ccacaaataa aaccctgaat tcggcaacaa caaccttaac accaacagta 6300 aatttgagtt ctatacctaa ctatgaggtg tataattgtt catttaatca gacaactgag 6360 tttagagata agaaaaaaca aatatattcc ttgttttata gagaagatat tgtaaaagag 6420 gatggtaaca ataatagtta ttatttacat aattgcaata cctcagtcat tactcaagaa 6480 tgtgataaat ctacttttga accaattccc atcagatact gtgctccagc aggctttgcc 6540 ctgttaaaat gtagagatca gaatttcaca gggaaaggac aatgctccaa tgtctcagta 6600 gttcactgta cacatgggat ttatcctatg atagccacag cattacactt aaatgggtcc 6660 ctggaagaag aagaaacaaa agcttacttt gttaatacct cagttaatac acccttatta 6720 gtaaaattta atgtatcaat aaatttaacg tgtgaaagaa caggaaacaa tacaagaggt 6780 caagtacaga taggtccagg tatgaccttt tataatatag aaaatgtagt aggggacacc 6840 aggaaagctt attgttcagt caatgcaaca acatggtaca ggaacttaga ttgggctatg 6900 gctgccataa acacaaccat gagggccaga aatgaaacgg tacaacaaac gttccaatgg 6960 cagagggatg gagaccctga ggtcactagc ttctggttca attgtcaagg agaattcttt 7020 tactgtaatc tcacaaattg gactaatacc tggacagcta atagaaccaa taatactcat 7080 ggtactcttg ttgcaccatg cagactgagg cagatagtaa atcattgggg tatagtgtca 7140 aaaggggttt accttccccc aaggagggga acagtaaaat gtcactcaaa catcacagga 7200 cttatcatga cagcagaaaa agacaacaat aatagttata ccccccaatt ttctgctgta 7260 gtagaagact attggaaagt agaattagca agatataaag tggtggaaat tcagcccttg 7320 tcagtggctc caaggccagg aaaaaggcct gaaattaagg ccaatcatac taggtcaaga 7380 agagatgtgg gcataggact gttgtttctt ggatttctta gtgcagcagg aagtacaatg 7440 ggcgcagcgt caatagcgct gacggcacag gccagaggat tactctctgg tattgtacag 7500 cagcaacaaa acctgcttca ggccatagaa gcgcaacaac acttgttgca gctctctgta 7560 tggggcatta agcagctcca ggccagaatg cttgcagtag agaaatacat aagagaccaa 7620 cagctcctaa gcctctgggg atgtgctaac aaattggtgt gtcacagtag tgtgccatgg 7680 aacctcacct gggctgaaga ttctacaaag tgcaatcaca gtgatgcaaa gtactatgac 7740 tgtatatgga acaatttgac ttggcaggaa tgggatcgat tagtagaaaa ctctacagga 7800 accatatact ccctgttaga gaaagcacaa acacaacagg agaaaaacaa acaagagttg 7860 ttagaattag acaaatggag cagtctttgg gattggtttg atataacaca atggctgtgg 7920 tatataaaaa tagctataat catagtagca ggattagtag gacttagaat tctcatgttt 7980 atagttaatg tagttaagca agttaggcag ggttatacac ccctattttc acagatccct 8040 acccaagcgg agcaggatcc agaacagcca ggaggaatcg caggaggagg tggaggcaga 8100 gacaacatca ggtggacgcc ctcgccagca ggattcttca gtatcgtctg ggaggacctc 8160 aggaacctcc tcatctggat ataccagacc tttcaaaact tcatctggat cctctggatc 8220 agcctgcaag cactgaaaca ggggataatc agcttggcac acagcctagt aatagtgcat 8280 agaactatca tagtaggagt tagacagatc attgagtgga gcagtaatac ttatgctagc 8340 ttaagagttt tgctaataca agccatagac agacttgcta actttacagg gtggtggaca 8400 gatttaatca tagaaggagt ggtttacata gccaggggaa tcagaaatat tcctagaaga 8460 attagacagg gtctggaact agccttaaat taaaatggga aacatatttg gtagatggcc 8520 tggggcccgg aaagccatcg aagatcttca taacacctca agtgagcctg taggacaggc 8580 ctcacaagac ctccagaata aaggaggtct cactactaac accctaggta cctcagcaga 8640 tgtgttagaa tactctgcag accatactga agaagaagta ggttttccag tcagaccagc 8700 agtacccatg agacccatga cagagaagct agcaatagat ctgtcatggt tcttaaaaga 8760 aaagggggga ctggatgggc tatttttctc tccaaaaaga gcagccatcc tagacacctg 8820 gatgtataat acacagggtg tctttccaga ctggcagaac tacacccctg gaccaggaat 8880 cagataccca ctgtgtaggg gatggttatt taagttggta ccggtagacc caccagaaga 8940 tgatgagaag aacatcttgc tacatccagc ctgtagccat ggaactaccg atccagatgg 9000 agagactctg atctggcgct ttgacagcag cctagcaaga aggcacatag ccagagaaag 9060 atatccggag tacttcaaat aaggacttcc gggtgccatg actcagaact gctgacagag 9120 gacttttgga ctcgggactt tccaatgtgg gtggttactg ggcgggacag gggagtggtt 9180 ttgcccgctg agctgcatat aagcagctgc tttgcgctct gtaaaggctc ttgcctaatc 9240 tgccagatct gagcctggga gctctctggt agtggctggc tagagaccgc tgcttaacgc 9300 tcaataaagc ctgcctgaga gtgtta 9326 2 524 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 2 Met Gly Ala Arg Ala Ser Val Leu Arg Gly Asp Lys Leu Asp Thr Trp 1 5 10 15 Glu Ser Ile Arg Leu Lys Ser Arg Gly Arg Lys Lys Tyr Leu Ile Lys 20 25 30 His Leu Val Trp Ala Gly Ser Glu Leu Gln Arg Phe Ala Met Asn Pro 35 40 45 Gly Leu Met Glu Asn Val Glu Gly Cys Trp Lys Ile Ile Leu Gln Leu 50 55 60 Gln Pro Ser Val Asp Ile Gly Ser Pro Glu Ile Ile Ser Leu Phe Asn 65 70 75 80 Thr Ile Cys Val Leu Tyr Cys Val His Ala Gly Glu Arg Val Gln Asp 85 90 95 Thr Glu Glu Ala Val Lys Ile Val Lys Met Lys Leu Thr Val Gln Lys 100 105 110 Asn Asn Ser Thr Ala Thr Ser Ser Gly Gln Arg Gln Asn Ala Gly Glu 115 120 125 Lys Glu Glu Thr Val Pro Pro Ser Gly Asn Thr Gly Asn Thr Gly Arg 130 135 140 Ala Thr Glu Thr Pro Ser Gly Ser Arg Leu Tyr Pro Val Ile Thr Asp 145 150 155 160 Ala Gln Gly Val Ala Arg His Gln Pro Ile Ser Pro Arg Thr Leu Asn 165 170 175 Ala Trp Val Arg Val Ile Glu Glu Lys Gly Phe Asn Pro Glu Val Ile 180 185 190 Pro Met Phe Ser Ala Leu Ser Glu Gly Ala Thr Pro Tyr Asp Leu Asn 195 200 205 Ser Met Leu Asn Ala Val Gly Glu His Gln Ala Ala Met Gln Met Leu 210 215 220 Lys Glu Val Ile Asn Glu Glu Ala Ala Glu Trp Asp Arg Ala His Pro 225 230 235 240 Ala His Ala Gly Pro Gln Gln Ala Gly Met Leu Arg Glu Pro Thr Gly 245 250 255 Ala Asp Ile Ala Gly Thr Thr Ser Thr Leu Gln Glu Gln Val Leu Trp 260 265 270 Met Thr Thr Pro Gln Ala Gln Gly Gly Val Pro Val Gly Asp Ile Tyr 275 280 285 Lys Arg Trp Ile Ile Leu Gly Leu Asn Lys Leu Val Arg Met Tyr Ser 290 295 300 Pro Val Ser Ile Leu Asp Ile Lys Gln Gly Pro Lys Glu Pro Phe Arg 305 310 315 320 Asp Tyr Val Asp Arg Phe Tyr Lys Thr Ile Arg Ala Glu Gln Ala Ser 325 330 335 Gln Pro Val Lys Thr Trp Met Thr Glu Thr Leu Leu Val Gln Asn Ala 340 345 350 Asn Pro Asp Cys Lys His Ile Leu Lys Ala Leu Gly Gln Gly Ala Thr 355 360 365 Leu Glu Glu Met Leu Thr Ala Cys Gln Gly Val Gly Gly Pro Ser His 370 375 380 Lys Ala Lys Ile Leu Ala Glu Ala Met Ala Ser Ala Thr Ala Gly Gly 385 390 395 400 Val Asn Met Leu Gln Gly Gly Lys Arg Pro Pro Leu Lys Lys Gly Gln 405 410 415 Leu Gln Cys Phe Asn Cys Gly Lys Val Gly His Thr Ala Arg Asn Cys 420 425 430 Arg Ala Pro Arg Lys Lys Gly Cys Trp Arg Cys Gly Gln Glu Gly His 435 440 445 Gln Met Lys Asp Cys Thr Thr Arg Asn Asn Ser Thr Gly Val Asn Phe 450 455 460 Leu Gly Lys Arg Thr Pro Leu Trp Gly Cys Arg Pro Gly Asn Phe Val 465 470 475 480 Gln Asn Thr Pro Glu Lys Gly Lys Ala Gln Glu Gln Glu Thr Ala Gln 485 490 495 Thr Pro Val Val Pro Thr Ala Pro Pro Leu Glu Met Thr Met Lys Gly 500 505 510 Gly Phe Ser Leu Lys Ser Ile Phe Gly Ser Asp Gln 515 520 3 999 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 3 Phe Phe Arg Glu Thr His Pro Leu Val Gly Val Gln Thr Arg Glu Leu 1 5 10 15 Cys Ala Glu His Pro Arg Glu Arg Glu Gly Ser Gly Ala Gly Asp Ser 20 25 30 Thr Asp Thr Ser Gly Ala Asn Cys Pro Thr Thr Gly Asp Asp Asp Glu 35 40 45 Arg Arg Val Leu Pro Gln Val Asn Leu Trp Gln Arg Pro Met Met Thr 50 55 60 Val Lys Val Gln Gly Gln Val Cys Gln Ala Leu Leu Asp Thr Gly Ala 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Ser Val Phe Cys Asn Ile Lys Leu Lys Gly Gln Trp Thr Pro 85 90 95 Lys Thr Ile Gly Gly Ile Gly Gly Phe Val Pro Val Ser Glu Tyr Tyr 100 105 110 Asn Ile Pro Val Gln Ile Gly Asn Lys Glu Val Arg Ala Thr Val Leu 115 120 125 Val Gly Glu Thr Pro Ile Asn Ile Ile Gly Arg Asn Ile Leu Lys Gln 130 135 140 Leu Gly Cys Thr Leu Asn Phe Pro Ile Ser Pro Ile Glu Val Val Lys 145 150 155 160 Val Gln Leu Lys Glu Gly Met Asp Gly Pro Lys Val Lys Gln Trp Pro 165 170 175 Leu Ser Lys Glu Lys Ile Glu Ala Leu Thr Glu Ile Cys Lys Thr Leu 180 185 190 Glu Lys Glu Gly Lys Ile Ser Ala Val Gly Pro Glu Asn Pro Tyr Asn 195 200 205 Thr Pro Ile Phe Ala Ile Lys Lys Lys Asp Thr Ser Lys Trp Arg Lys 210 215 220 Leu Val Asp Phe Arg Glu Leu Asn Lys Arg Thr Gln Asp Phe Trp Glu 225 230 235 240 Leu Gln Leu Gly Ile Pro His Pro Ala Gly Leu Arg Lys Arg Asn Met 245 250 255 Val Thr Val Leu Asp Val Gly Asp Ala Tyr Phe Ser Ile Pro Leu Asp 260 265 270 Pro Asp Phe Arg Lys Tyr Thr Ala Phe Thr Ile Pro Ser Leu Asn Asn 275 280 285 Asn Thr Pro Gly Lys Arg Phe Gln Tyr Asn Val Leu Pro Gln Gly Trp 290 295 300 Lys Gly Ser Pro Ala Ile Phe Gln Ser Ser Met Thr Lys Ile Leu Asp 305 310 315 320 Pro Phe Arg Lys Glu His Pro Asp Val Asp Ile Tyr Gln Tyr Met Asp 325 330 335 Asp Leu Tyr Ile Gly Ser Asp Leu Asn Glu Glu Glu His Arg Lys Leu 340 345 350 Ile Lys Lys Leu Arg Gln His Leu Leu Thr Trp Gly Leu Glu Thr Pro 355 360 365 Asp Lys Lys Tyr Gln Glu Lys Pro Pro Phe Met Trp Met Gly Tyr Glu 370 375 380 Leu His Pro Asn Lys Trp Thr Val Gln Asn Ile Thr Leu Pro Glu Pro 385 390 395 400 Glu Gln Trp Thr Val Asn His Ile Gln Lys Leu Val Gly Lys Leu Asn 405 410 415 Trp Ala Ser Gln Ile Tyr His Gly Ile Lys Thr Lys Glu Leu Cys Lys 420 425 430 Leu Ile Arg Gly Val Lys Gly Leu Thr Glu Pro Val Glu Met Thr Arg 435 440 445 Glu Ala Glu Leu Glu Leu Glu Glu Asn Lys Gln Ile Leu Lys Glu Lys 450 455 460 Val Gln Gly Ala Tyr Tyr Asp Pro Lys Leu Pro Leu Gln Ala Ala Ile 465 470 475 480 Gln Lys Gln Gly Gln Gly Gln Trp Thr Tyr Gln Ile Tyr Gln Glu Glu 485 490 495 Gly Lys Asn Leu Lys Thr Gly Lys Tyr Ala Lys Ser Pro Gly Thr His 500 505 510 Thr Asn Glu Ile Arg Gln Leu Ala Gly Leu Ile Gln Lys Ile Gly Asn 515 520 525 Glu Ser Ile Ile Ile Trp Gly Ile Val Pro Lys Phe Leu Leu Pro Val 530 535 540 Ser Lys Glu Thr Trp Ser Gln Trp Trp Thr Asp Tyr Trp Gln Val Thr 545 550 555 560 Trp Val Pro Glu Trp Glu Phe Ile Asn Thr Pro Pro Leu Ile Arg Leu 565 570 575 Trp Tyr Asn Leu Leu Ser Asp Pro Ile Pro Glu Ala Glu Thr Phe Tyr 580 585 590 Val Asp Gly Ala Ala Asn Arg Asp Ser Lys Lys Gly Arg Ala Gly Tyr 595 600 605 Val Thr Asn Arg Gly Arg Tyr Arg Ser Lys Asp Leu Glu Asn Thr Thr 610 615 620 Asn Gln Gln Ala Glu Leu Trp Ala Val Asp Leu Ala Leu Lys Asp Ser 625 630 635 640 Gly Ala Gln Val Asn Ile Val Thr Asp Ser Gln Tyr Val Met Gly Val 645 650 655 Leu Gln Gly Leu Pro Asp Gln Ser Asp Ser Pro Ile Val Glu Gln Ile 660 665 670 Ile Gln Lys Leu Thr Gln Lys Thr Ala Ile Tyr Leu Ala Trp Val Pro 675 680 685 Ala His Lys Gly Ile Gly Gly Asn Glu Glu Val Asp Lys Leu Val Ser 690 695 700 Lys Asn Ile Arg Lys Ile Leu Phe Leu Asp Gly Ile Asn Glu Ala Gln 705 710 715 720 Glu Asp His Asp Lys Tyr His Ser Asn Trp Lys Ala Leu Ala Asp Glu 725 730 735 Tyr Asn Leu Pro Pro Val Val Ala Lys Glu Ile Ile Ala Gln Cys Pro 740 745 750 Lys Cys His Ile Lys Gly Glu Ala Ile His Gly Gln Val Asp Tyr Ser 755 760 765 Pro Glu Ile Trp Gln Ile Asp Cys Thr His Leu Glu Gly Lys Val Ile 770 775 780 Ile Val Ala Val His Val Ala Ser Gly Phe Ile Glu Ala Glu Val Ile 785 790 795 800 Pro Glu Glu Thr Gly Arg Glu Thr Ala Tyr Phe Ile Leu Lys Leu Ala 805 810 815 Gly Arg Trp Pro Val Lys Lys Ile His Thr Asp Asn Gly Pro Asn Phe 820 825 830 Thr Ser Thr Ala Val Lys Ala Ala Cys Trp Trp Ala Gln Ile Gln His 835 840 845 Glu Phe Gly Ile Pro Tyr Asn Pro Gln Ser Gln Gly Val Val Glu Ser 850 855 860 Met Asn Lys Gln Leu Lys Gln Ile Ile Glu Gln Val Arg Asp Gln Ala 865 870 875 880 Glu Gln Leu Arg Thr Ala Val Ile Met Ala Val Tyr Ile His Asn Phe 885 890 895 Lys Arg Lys Gly Gly Ile Gly Glu Tyr Thr Ala Gly Glu Arg Leu Leu 900 905 910 Asp Ile Leu Thr Thr Asn Ile Gln Thr Lys Gln Leu Gln Lys Gln Ile 915 920 925 Leu Lys Val Gln Asn Phe Arg Val Tyr Tyr Arg Asp Ala Arg Asp Pro 930 935 940 Ile Trp Lys Gly Pro Ala Arg Leu Leu Trp Lys Gly Glu Gly Ala Val 945 950 955 960 Val Ile Lys Glu Gly Glu Asp Ile Lys Val Val Pro Arg Arg Lys Ala 965 970 975 Lys Ile Ile Lys Glu Tyr Gly Lys Gln Met Ala Gly Ala Gly Gly Met 980 985 990 Asp Asp Arg Gln Asn Glu Thr 995 4 198 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 4 Met Glu Asn Arg Trp Gln Val Gln Val Val Trp Met Ile Asp Arg Met 1 5 10 15 Arg Leu Arg Thr Trp Thr Ser Leu Val Lys His His Ile Phe Thr Thr 20 25 30 Lys Cys Cys Lys Asp Trp Lys Tyr Arg His His Tyr Glu Thr Asp Thr 35 40 45 Pro Lys Arg Ala Gly Glu Ile His Ile Pro Leu Thr Glu Arg Ser Lys 50 55 60 Leu Val Val Leu His Tyr Trp Gly Leu Ala Cys Gly Glu Arg Pro Trp 65 70 75 80 His Leu Gly His Gly Ile Gly Leu Glu Trp Arg Gln Gly Lys Tyr Ser 85 90 95 Thr Gln Ile Asp Pro Glu Thr Ala Asp Gln Leu Ile His Thr Arg Tyr 100 105 110 Phe Thr Cys Phe Ala Ala Gly Ala Val Arg Gln Ala Ile Leu Gly Glu 115 120 125 Arg Ile Leu Thr Phe Cys His Phe Gln Ser Gly His Arg Gln Val Gly 130 135 140 Thr Leu Gln Phe Leu Ala Phe Arg Lys Val Val Glu Ser Gln Asp Lys 145 150 155 160 Gln Pro Lys Gly Pro Arg Arg Pro Leu Pro Ser Val Thr Lys Leu Thr 165 170 175 Glu Asp Arg Trp Asn Lys His Arg Thr Thr Thr Gly Arg Arg Glu Asn 180 185 190 His Thr Leu Ser Gly Cys 195 5 83 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 5 Met Glu Gln Ala Pro Asn Asp Asn Gly Pro Gln Arg Glu Pro Tyr Thr 1 5 10 15 Glu Trp Leu Leu Asp Ile Leu Glu Glu Ile Lys Gln Glu Ala Val Lys 20 25 30 His Phe Pro Arg Pro Ile Leu Gln Gly Val Gly Asn Trp Val Phe Thr 35 40 45 Ile Tyr Gly Asp Ser Trp Glu Gly Val Gln Glu Leu Ile Lys Ile Leu 50 55 60 Gln Arg Ala Leu Phe Thr His Tyr Arg His Gly Cys Ile His Ser Arg 65 70 75 80 Ile Gly Ser 6 136 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 6 Met Asn Pro Ile Asp Pro Gln Val Ala Pro Trp Glu His Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ala Pro Glu Thr Pro Cys Thr Asn Cys Tyr Cys Lys Lys Cys Cys Phe 20 25 30 His Cys Pro Val Cys Phe Thr Lys Lys Ala Leu Gly Ile Ser Tyr Gly 35 40 45 Arg Lys Arg Arg Gly Arg Lys Ser Ala Val His Ser Thr Asn Asn Gln 50 55 60 Asp Pro Val Arg Gln Gln Ser Leu Pro Lys Arg Ser Arg Ile Gln Asn 65 70 75 80 Ser Gln Glu Glu Ser Gln Glu Glu Val Glu Ala Glu Thr Thr Ser Gly 85 90 95 Gly Arg Pro Arg Gln Gln Asp Ser Ser Val Ser Ser Gly Arg Thr Ser 100 105 110 Gly Thr Ser Ser Ser Gly Tyr Thr Arg Pro Phe Lys Thr Ser Ser Gly 115 120 125 Ser Ser Gly Ser Ala Cys Lys His 130 135 7 105 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 7 Met Ala Gly Arg Glu Glu Asp Ala Asn Leu Leu Tyr Thr Val Arg Ile 1 5 10 15 Ile Lys Ile Leu Tyr Asp Ser Asn Pro Tyr Pro Ser Gly Ala Gly Ser 20 25 30 Arg Thr Ala Arg Arg Asn Arg Arg Arg Arg Trp Arg Gln Arg Gln His 35 40 45 Gln Val Asp Ala Leu Ala Ser Arg Ile Leu Gln Tyr Arg Leu Gly Gly 50 55 60 Pro Gln Glu Pro Pro His Leu Asp Ile Pro Asp Leu Ser Lys Leu His 65 70 75 80 Leu Asp Pro Leu Asp Gln Pro Ala Ser Thr Glu Thr Gly Asp Asn Gln 85 90 95 Leu Gly Thr Gln Pro Ser Asn Ser Ala 100 105 8 83 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 8 Met Ile Lys Ile Val Val Gly Ser Val Ser Thr Asn Val Ile Gly Ile 1 5 10 15 Leu Cys Ile Leu Leu Ile Leu Ile Gly Gly Gly Leu Leu Ile Gly Ile 20 25 30 Gly Ile Arg Arg Glu Leu Glu Arg Glu Arg Gln His Gln Arg Val Leu 35 40 45 Glu Arg Leu Ala Arg Arg Leu Ser Ile Asp Ser Gly Val Glu Glu Asp 50 55 60 Glu Glu Phe Asn Trp Asn Asn Phe Asp Pro His Asn Tyr Asn Pro Arg 65 70 75 80 Asp Trp Ile 9 871 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 9 Met Lys Asn Leu Ile Gly Ile Thr Leu Ile Leu Ile Ile Thr Ile Leu 1 5 10 15 Gly Ile Gly Phe Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Thr Thr Val Phe Tyr Gly Val Pro 20 25 30 Val Trp Lys Glu Ala Gln Pro Thr Leu Phe Cys Ala Ser Asp Ala Asp 35 40 45 Ile Thr Ser Arg Asp Lys His Asn Ile Trp Ala Thr His Asn Cys Val 50 55 60 Pro Leu Asp Pro Asn Pro Tyr Glu Val Thr Leu Ala Asn Val Ser Ile 65 70 75 80 Arg Phe Asn Met Glu Glu Asn Tyr Met Val Gln Glu Met Lys Glu Asp 85 90 95 Ile Leu Ser Leu Phe Gln Gln Ser Phe Lys Pro Cys Val Lys Leu Thr 100 105 110 Pro Phe Cys Ile Lys Met Thr Cys Thr Met Thr Asn Thr Thr Asn Lys 115 120 125 Thr Leu Asn Ser Ala Thr Thr Thr Leu Thr Pro Thr Val Asn Leu Ser 130 135 140 Ser Ile Pro Asn Tyr Glu Val Tyr Asn Cys Ser Phe Asn Gln Thr Thr 145 150 155 160 Glu Phe Arg Asp Lys Lys Lys Gln Ile Tyr Ser Leu Phe Tyr Arg Glu 165 170 175 Asp Ile Val Lys Glu Asp Gly Asn Asn Asn Ser Tyr Tyr Leu His Asn 180 185 190 Cys Asn Thr Ser Val Ile Thr Gln Glu Cys Asp Lys Ser Thr Phe Glu 195 200 205 Pro Ile Pro Ile Arg Tyr Cys Ala Pro Ala Gly Phe Ala Leu Leu Lys 210 215 220 Cys Arg Asp Gln Asn Phe Thr Gly Lys Gly Gln Cys Ser Asn Val Ser 225 230 235 240 Val Val His Cys Thr His Gly Ile Tyr Pro Met Ile Ala Thr Ala Leu 245 250 255 His Leu Asn Gly Ser Leu Glu Glu Glu Glu Thr Lys Ala Tyr Phe Val 260 265 270 Asn Thr Ser Val Asn Thr Pro Leu Leu Val Lys Phe Asn Val Ser Ile 275 280 285 Asn Leu Thr Cys Glu Arg Thr Gly Asn Asn Thr Arg Gly Gln Val Gln 290 295 300 Ile Gly Pro Gly Met Thr Phe Tyr Asn Ile Glu Asn Val Val Gly Asp 305 310 315 320 Thr Arg Lys Ala Tyr Cys Ser Val Asn Ala Thr Thr Trp Tyr Arg Asn 325 330 335 Leu Asp Trp Ala Met Ala Ala Ile Asn Thr Thr Met Arg Ala Arg Asn 340 345 350 Glu Thr Val Gln Gln Thr Phe Gln Trp Gln Arg Asp Gly Asp Pro Glu 355 360 365 Val Thr Ser Phe Trp Phe Asn Cys Gln Gly Glu Phe Phe Tyr Cys Asn 370 375 380 Leu Thr Asn Trp Thr Asn Thr Trp Thr Ala Asn Arg Thr Asn Asn Thr 385 390 395 400 His Gly Thr Leu Val Ala Pro Cys Arg Leu Arg Gln Ile Val Asn His 405 410 415 Trp Gly Ile Val Ser Lys Gly Val Tyr Leu Pro Pro Arg Arg Gly Thr 420 425 430 Val Lys Cys His Ser Asn Ile Thr Gly Leu Ile Met Thr Ala Glu Lys 435 440 445 Asp Asn Asn Asn Ser Tyr Thr Pro Gln Phe Ser Ala Val Val Glu Asp 450 455 460 Tyr Trp Lys Val Glu Leu Ala Arg Tyr Lys Val Val Glu Ile Gln Pro 465 470 475 480 Leu Ser Val Ala Pro Arg Pro Gly Lys Arg Pro Glu Ile Lys Ala Asn 485 490 495 His Thr Arg Ser Arg Arg Asp Val Gly Ile Gly Leu Leu Phe Leu Gly 500 505 510 Phe Leu Ser Ala Ala Gly Ser Thr Met Gly Ala Ala Ser Ile Ala Leu 515 520 525 Thr Ala Gln Ala Arg Gly Leu Leu Ser Gly Ile Val Gln Gln Gln Gln 530 535 540 Asn Leu Leu Gln Ala Ile Glu Ala Gln Gln His Leu Leu Gln Leu Ser 545 550 555 560 Val Trp Gly Ile Lys Gln Leu Gln Ala Arg Met Leu Ala Val Glu Lys 565 570 575 Tyr Ile Arg Asp Gln Gln Leu Leu Ser Leu Trp Gly Cys Ala Asn Lys 580 585 590 Leu Val Cys His Ser Ser Val Pro Trp Asn Leu Thr Trp Ala Glu Asp 595 600 605 Ser Thr Lys Cys Asn His Ser Asp Ala Lys Tyr Tyr Asp Cys Ile Trp 610 615 620 Asn Asn Leu Thr Trp Gln Glu Trp Asp Arg Leu Val Glu Asn Ser Thr 625 630 635 640 Gly Thr Ile Tyr Ser Leu Leu Glu Lys Ala Gln Thr Gln Gln Glu Lys 645 650 655 Asn Lys Gln Glu Leu Leu Glu Leu Asp Lys Trp Ser Ser Leu Trp Asp 660 665 670 Trp Phe Asp Ile Thr Gln Trp Leu Trp Tyr Ile Lys Ile Ala Ile Ile 675 680 685 Ile Val Ala Gly Leu Val Gly Leu Arg Ile Leu Met Phe Ile Val Asn 690 695 700 Val Val Lys Gln Val Arg Gln Gly Tyr Thr Pro Leu Phe Ser Gln Ile 705 710 715 720 Pro Thr Gln Ala Glu Gln Asp Pro Glu Gln Pro Gly Gly Ile Ala Gly 725 730 735 Gly Gly Gly Gly Arg Asp Asn Ile Arg Trp Thr Pro Ser Pro Ala Gly 740 745 750 Phe Phe Ser Ile Val Trp Glu Asp Leu Arg Asn Leu Leu Ile Trp Ile 755 760 765 Tyr Gln Thr Phe Gln Asn Phe Ile Trp Ile Leu Trp Ile Ser Leu Gln 770 775 780 Ala Leu Lys Gln Gly Ile Ile Ser Leu Ala His Ser Leu Val Ile Val 785 790 795 800 His Arg Thr Ile Ile Val Gly Val Arg Gln Ile Ile Glu Trp Ser Ser 805 810 815 Asn Thr Tyr Ala Ser Leu Arg Val Leu Leu Ile Gln Ala Ile Asp Arg 820 825 830 Leu Ala Asn Phe Thr Gly Trp Trp Thr Asp Leu Ile Ile Glu Gly Val 835 840 845 Val Tyr Ile Ala Arg Gly Ile Arg Asn Ile Pro Arg Arg Ile Arg Gln 850 855 860 Gly Leu Glu Leu Ala Leu Asn 865 870 10 195 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 10 Met Gly Asn Ile Phe Gly Arg Trp Pro Gly Ala Arg Lys Ala Ile Glu 1 5 10 15 Asp Leu His Asn Thr Ser Ser Glu Pro Val Gly Gln Ala Ser Gln Asp 20 25 30 Leu Gln Asn Lys Gly Gly Leu Thr Thr Asn Thr Leu Gly Thr Ser Ala 35 40 45 Asp Val Leu Glu Tyr Ser Ala Asp His Thr Glu Glu Glu Val Gly Phe 50 55 60 Pro Val Arg Pro Ala Val Pro Met Arg Pro Met Thr Glu Lys Leu Ala 65 70 75 80 Ile Asp Leu Ser Trp Phe Leu Lys Glu Lys Gly Gly Leu Asp Gly Leu 85 90 95 Phe Phe Ser Pro Lys Arg Ala Ala Ile Leu Asp Thr Trp Met Tyr Asn 100 105 110 Thr Gln Gly Val Phe Pro Asp Trp Gln Asn Tyr Thr Pro Gly Pro Gly 115 120 125 Ile Arg Tyr Pro Leu Cys Arg Gly Trp Leu Phe Lys Leu Val Pro Val 130 135 140 Asp Pro Pro Glu Asp Asp Glu Lys Asn Ile Leu Leu His Pro Ala Cys 145 150 155 160 Ser His Gly Thr Thr Asp Pro Asp Gly Glu Thr Leu Ile Trp Arg Phe 165 170 175 Asp Ser Ser Leu Ala Arg Arg His Ile Ala Arg Glu Arg Tyr Pro Glu 180 185 190 Tyr Phe Lys 195 11 23 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus misc_feature (6)..(6) n = a or g or c or t/u, unknown or other base 11 ccagcncaca aaggnatagg agg 23 12 21 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus misc_feature (9)..(9) n = a or g or c or t/u, unknown or other base 12 acbacygcnc cttchccttt c 21 13 26 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus 13 ggaagtggat acttagaagc agaagt 26 14 27 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus 14 cccaatcccc ccttttcttt taaaatt 27 15 688 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus 15 ccaagcgcag caggatccag aacagcccgg aggaatcgca gaaggaggtg gaggcagagg 60 caacatcagg tggacgccct cgccaacagg attcttcagt atcgtctggg aggacctcag 120 gaacctcctc atctggctct accagacctg tcgaaacttc atctgggtcc tgtggacgat 180 cctgcaagca ctgaaacagg ggacaatcag cctagcaaac aacctagtaa tagtgcatag 240 atatatagta gtaaaaatta gacaaattat tgagtggtgt cacaatactt atgctagttt 300 aagagcttcg ctgatacatg caatagacag acttgctgac tttacagggt ggtggacaga 360 cttaatcata gaaggaataa catacatagg caggggaatc agaaacatcc ctagaaggat 420 cagacagggt ctagaaatag ccttaaatta aaatgggaaa catctttggt agatggcctg 480 gagctcgaag agctattgaa gatcttcata aaagctcaca tgagcctata ggacaggcct 540 caacagacct ccaaaataga gggggcttaa ccaacaacac cataggtact tcagcagatg 600 tagtagagta ttctgcagac catactgagg aagaagtagg gtttccagtt agaccagcag 660 tacccatgag acccatgaca gaaacacg 688 16 227 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 16 Gln Ala Gln Gln Asp Pro Glu Gln Pro Gly Gly Ile Ala Glu Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Gly Gly Arg Gly Asn Ile Arg Trp Thr Pro Ser Pro Thr Gly Phe Phe 20 25 30 Ser Ile Val Trp Glu Asp Leu Arg Asn Leu Leu Ile Trp Leu Tyr Gln 35 40 45 Thr Cys Arg Asn Phe Ile Trp Val Leu Trp Thr Ile Leu Gln Ala Leu 50 55 60 Lys Gln Gly Thr Ile Ser Leu Ala Asn Asn Leu Val Ile Val His Arg 65 70 75 80 Tyr Ile Val Val Lys Ile Arg Gln Ile Ile Glu Trp Cys His Asn Thr 85 90 95 Tyr Ala Ser Leu Arg Ala Ser Leu Ile His Ala Ile Asp Arg Leu Ala 100 105 110 Asp Phe Thr Gly Trp Trp Thr Asp Leu Ile Ile Glu Gly Ile Thr Tyr 115 120 125 Ile Gly Arg Gly Ile Arg Asn Ile Pro Arg Arg Ile Arg Gln Gly Leu 130 135 140 Glu Ile Ala Leu Asn Met Gly Asn Ile Phe Gly Arg Trp Pro Gly Ala 145 150 155 160 Arg Arg Ala Ile Glu Asp Leu His Lys Ser Ser His Glu Pro Ile Gly 165 170 175 Gln Ala Ser Thr Asp Leu Gln Asn Arg Gly Gly Leu Thr Asn Asn Thr 180 185 190 Ile Gly Thr Ser Ala Asp Val Val Glu Tyr Ser Ala Asp His Thr Glu 195 200 205 Glu Glu Val Gly Phe Pro Val Arg Pro Ala Val Pro Met Arg Pro Arg 210 215 220 Gln Lys His 225 17 335 DNA Simian immunodeficiency virus 17 gtggatactt agaagcagaa gtcataccag aagaaacagg aagggaaaca gcttatttca 60 tcttaaaatt ggctggaaga tggcctgtaa agaaaataca tacagataat gggccaaact 120 ttactagtgc agcagtaaaa gcagcctgtt ggtgggcaca aatccaacat gaatttggga 180 ttccatataa tcctcaaagt caaggagtag tagaatccat gaataaacaa ttaaagcaaa 240 ttatagaaca aattagggaa caagcagagc acctgaggac agcagtggct atggcagtgt 300 atatccacaa ttttaaaaga aaagggggga tgggg 335 18 111 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 18 Gly Tyr Leu Glu Ala Glu Val Ile Pro Glu Glu Thr Gly Arg Glu Thr 1 5 10 15 Ala Tyr Phe Ile Leu Lys Leu Ala Gly Arg Trp Pro Val Lys Lys Ile 20 25 30 His Thr Asp Asn Gly Pro Asn Phe Thr Ser Ala Ala Val Lys Ala Ala 35 40 45 Cys Trp Trp Ala Gln Ile Gln His Glu Phe Gly Ile Pro Tyr Asn Pro 50 55 60 Gln Ser Gln Gly Val Val Glu Ser Met Asn Lys Gln Leu Lys Gln Ile 65 70 75 80 Ile Glu Gln Ile Arg Glu Gln Ala Glu His Leu Arg Thr Ala Val Ala 85 90 95 Met Ala Val Tyr Ile His Asn Phe Lys Arg Lys Gly Gly Met Gly 100 105 110 19 5 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 19 Lys Gly Pro Arg Arg 1 5 20 11 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 20 Cys Asn His Ser Asp Ala Lys Tyr Tyr Asp Cys 1 5 10 21 10 PRT Simian immunodeficiency virus 21 Cys Ala Lys Asn Ser Ser Asp Ile Gln Cys 1 5 10 

What is claimed:
 1. An isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a degenerate variant of SEQ ID NO: 1
 2. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1 where said nucleotide sequence is a derivative of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 3. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1 where said nucleotide sequence is complementary to SEQ ID NO: 1, or complementary to a fragment of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 4. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 1 where said nucleotide sequence is complementary to a derivative of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 5. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 1 where said nucleotide sequence is at least 70% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or at least 70% identical to a degenerate variant of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 6. An isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a sequence that hybridizes under highly stringent conditions to a hybridization probe the nucleotide sequence of which consists of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a degenerate variant of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 7. The isolated nucleic acid sequence of claim 6 where the hybridization probe has a nucleotide sequence which consists of a derivative of SEQ ID NO:
 1. 8. An isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide, the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO:
 10. 9. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 8 where the amino acid sequence of said polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 3 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 4 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 5 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 6 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 7 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 8 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 9 with conservative amino acid substitutions and SEQ ID NO: 10 with conservative amino acid substitutions.
 10. A purified polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence, the amino acid sequence of which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO:
 10. 11. The purified polypeptide of claim 10 where said amino acid sequence is at least 70% identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO:
 10. 12. A purified immunogenic peptide comprising an amino acid sequence of at least 10 consecutive residues, the amino acid sequence of which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO:
 10. 13. A purified polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence, the amino acid sequence of which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 3 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 4 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 5 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 6 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 7 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 8 with conservative amino acid substitutions, SEQ ID NO: 9 with conservative amino acid substitutions and SEQ ID NO: 10 with conservative amino acid substitutions
 14. A purified polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence, the amino acid sequence of which is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 20 and SEQ ID NO:
 21. 15. A composition comprising at least one polypeptide according to claim 10 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 16. A composition comprising at least one polypeptide according to claim 12 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 17. An antibody capable of binding to the polypeptide of claim
 10. 18. An antibody capable of binding to the polypeptide of claim
 14. 19. A kit for the detecting the presence of a virus of the SIVcpz type in a sample, said kit comprising an antibody according to claim 17 and reagents for the detection of the immunological complex formed between said antibody and said virus.
 20. The kit of claim 19 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 21. The kit of claim 19 where said kit comprises an antibody according to claim
 18. 22. The kit of claim 21 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 23. A method of detecting the presence of a virus of the SIVcpz type in a biological sample containing an antigen said virus comprising contacting the sample with the antibody of claim 14 under conditions that allow the formation of an antibody-antigen complex and detecting said complex.
 24. The method of claim 23 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 25. The method of claim 23 where the antibody is the antibody of claim
 15. 26. The method of claim 25 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 27. A method of detecting the presence of a virus of the SIVcpz type in a biological sample comprising contacting said sample with the nucleic acid of claim 1 and detecting said nucleic acid bound to the genomic DNA, mRNA or cDNA of the SIVcpz virus.
 28. The method of claim 27 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 29. A method of detecting the presence of a virus of the SIVcpz type in a biological sample comprising contacting said sample with the nucleic acid of claim 2 and detecting said nucleic acid bound to the genomic DNA, mRNA or cDNA of the SIVcpz virus.
 30. The method of claim 29 where the virus is selected from the group consisting of SIVcpzTAN1, SIVcpzTAN2 and SIVcpzANT.
 31. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim
 1. 32. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim
 2. 33. A cell comprising the vector of claim
 31. 34. A cell comprising the vector of claim
 32. 